Albanian Law Only Partially Decriminalising Defamation Disappoints Media Groups
New changes to the Albanian criminal code that only partially abolish defamation as an offence have been criticised by media freedom organisations, citing concerns over freedom of speech. Original post Here
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: January 26, 2026
Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here
A Case of Theatrical Diplomacy
Tirana Times, January 26, 2026 – Albania’s attempted entry into the Peace Board has become a revealing episode, not because of the significance of the initiative itself, but because of the way Albania’s leadership chose to stage and communicate it domestically. The Peace Board represents a new and ambitious international …
Albania Joins the Peace Board
Tirana Times, January 25, 2026 – Albania has joined the Peace Board, a newly established international mechanism initiated by U.S. President Donald Trump, aimed at overseeing peace agreements and post-conflict stabilization efforts, with an initial focus on the Gaza Strip. The Peace Board was formally launched during the World Economic …
Opposition Protests as Corruption Case Deepens Political Crisis
The crisis deepens as the government shields Deputy PM Balluku and a criminal network emerges in AKSHI Tirana Times, January 25, 2026 – Albania’s main opposition party returned to the streets on Saturday with a second national protest against Prime Minister Edi Rama, challenging the legitimacy of his fourth term …
Environmentalists Urge Suspension of Kushner Island Resort Project in Albania
Forty-one environmental organisations from 28 countries have called for a halt to the planned development by Jared Kushner of Albania’s Sazan island as a luxury resort, saying it threatens the valuable biodiversity of the area. Original post Here
Kosovo, Bulgaria, Turkey Join Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’
Kosovo, Bulgaria and Turkey have signed the Board of Peace Charter, under Donald Trump’s auspices, but several other Balkan countries are still pondering whether to join the initiative. Original post Here
‘Worrying’ Loss of Pristine Rivers in Balkans Highlighted by Study
Balkan countries are continuing to sacrifice their remaining clean river stretches to development and pollution, a new assessment warns. Original post Here
‘Balkan Nostradamus’: Baba Vanga’s Visions Still Flood Albania’s Media Landscape
The Bulgarian mystic’s doomy predictions continue to grab headlines in Albania and elsewhere – even though many seem fabricated and sometimes appear to serve Russian geopolitical narratives. Original post Here
King Salman Center Launches Fourth Cycle of International Disability Research Prize
Tirana, 21.01.2026 – Research on disability has increasingly moved into the centre of international scientific and policy discussions, reflecting broader debates about inclusion, quality of life and access to public space. Against this wider backdrop, the King Salman Center for Disability Research (KSCDR) has opened nominations for the 4th cycle of …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has rejected claims that the government intervened to deactivate or restrict the social media accounts of people linked to the ongoing protest. In a post on X, Rama said the government has no role in decisions made by social media platforms. He also stressed that state …
UNICEF’s Executive Board has approved a new country program for Albania for 2027–2031. UNICEF Albania and the Albanian government jointly developed the program. The five-year program sets shared priorities and a roadmap to improve children’s well-being, protection and development across the country. According to UNICEF Albania, the program will focus …
Albania aims to complete the alignment of its environmental legislation with European Union rules by September 2027, as part of negotiations on Chapter 27. Environment Minister Sofjan Jaupaj said in a television interview that the process covers around 90 EU directives and regulations. Albania must incorporate these rules into around …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos in Dublin on Thursday. Hoxha held the meeting on the sidelines of the General Affairs Council, which is taking place in Dublin. “It was a pleasure to meet and discuss with EU Commissioner for Enlargement …
Albania is advancing its legal framework to support a greener and more sustainable economy through ecodesign, as part of its efforts to align with European Union legislation. As part of the European Integration Partnership Platform, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy held a meeting with the Ministry of Economy and …
The Albanian National Film Festival will return after a 14-year break. The festival aims to reconnect Albanian cinema with the public and create new opportunities for artists and filmmakers. The National Center of Cinematography (QKK) supports the event, while Ilir Butka leads its artistic direction. Iceberg Communication joins the festival …
TIRANA, September 3 – Prime Minister Edi Rama announced that “Prania Besnike” (Committed Presence) will take place every Friday at 17:00 across Albania. He said the initiative aims to make listening to citizens a condition and responding to their concerns an institutional duty. Speaking to the Socialist Party parliamentary group …
TIRANA, September 3 – Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro announced the start of textbook distribution for the new school year. For the first time, all primary school students from first to fifth grade will receive new textbooks free of charge. Kumbaro said the measure would ease the financial burden on families. …
Gjirokastër has places that history preserves. People also keep them alive through memory. Near the famous plane tree in the city’s Bazaar, the Hunters’ Club became a well-known part of local life after 1947. The building had once housed the Prefecture café. Later, the hunters’ association moved its offices there. …
“Daily Express”: British travel expert chooses Albania for an autumn getaway: “Absolutely wonderful”
Albania is quickly emerging as a top destination for autumn holidays. The country offers beaches, history, hospitality and affordable prices. British travel expert Simon Calder has highlighted Albania for its natural beauty, reasonable prices and the warm hospitality of its people. He described the country as “absolutely wonderful.” Calder selected …