Monday Briefing from the Balkans: February 9, 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
How “Diella” Was Used by the Russian Pravda Network to Spread Disinformation
By Vladimir Karaj Tirana Times, 08 February 2026 – In early December, a Croatian satirical outlet published a humorous article claiming that Albania’s AI minister had been arrested after allegedly accepting a bribe worth 14 bitcoins. The satire quickly went viral online, but it was subsequently misinterpreted as factual information …
The Kurum Case and the Collapse of Environmental Oversight in Albania
Tirana Times, 08 February 2026 – The Kurum waste file has exposed one of the most serious environmental and governance scandals in Albania in recent years, revealing not only the illegal export of hazardous waste but also the disappearance of tens of thousands of tons of industrial byproducts inside the …
Russian Propaganda in North Macedonia
by Agron Vrangalla Tirana Times, 08 February 2026 – Moscow systematically uses information manipulation as an instrument of foreign policy. In North Macedonia, Russian propaganda relies on several recurring narratives that exploit domestic political tensions and social vulnerabilities. The impact of Russian propaganda in the Western Balkans is neither new …
Deputy Prime Minister Resuspended By Court Ruling
Parliament now expected to lift immunity. Tirana Times, 08 February 2026 – The Constitutional Court’s decision to leave in force the suspension of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Belinda Balluku has reopened a deep institutional conflict in Albania, sharpening tensions between the executive, the judiciary, and Parliament, while placing …
Week in Review: Saviours, Crypto Fugitives and Unlikely Friendships
A Canadian on the run in Bosnia, an Albanian’s controversial jaunt to Israel and a Brit looking to the Balkans for possible salvation – this week’s selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories has an international flavour. Original post Here
Albanian PM’s Private Jet Trip to Israel Raises Transparency Questions
During last week’s visit to Israel, Albania’s Prime Minister used a private jet once owned by Sam Bankman Fried, now-jailed owner of crypto exchange FTX – but it’s unclear who footed the bill. Original post Here
Albania Arrests 20 for Toxic Waste-Trafficking to Thailand
The suspects are among 33 people accused of involvement in shipping a cargo of dangerous industrial waste from Albania to Thailand. Original post Here
As Trump’s Family Eyes Pristine Albanian Coast, Villagers Cry Foul
The US president’s son-in-law wants to build a tourism development in southern Albania, but residents of the unspoilt strip around Zvernec say a dispute over ownership of the land is being ignored. Original post Here
Local roads, national standards: Tropojë case tests Albania’s procurement and oversight
Tropojë Mayor Indicted for Illegal Roadworks Tirana Times, 02 February 2026 – In a case related to alleged abuse of office, Albania’s Special Court has sent Tropojë’s mayor Rexhë Byberi and his deputy Abedin Kërrnaja to trial on charges of “abuse of office” related to local infrastructure projects. The officials are …
With European car demand fluctuating and margins under pressure, manufacturers of car parts in Albania are navigating a delicate shift from cost-based competitiveness to structural adaptation. Original post Here
TIRANA, April 12 – Tirana will host the fourth edition of the Diaspora Summit on April 13, bringing together Albanians from across the world for a two-day program focused on cooperation and development. Prime Minister Edi Rama said in his weekly podcast that the summit will open with a welcome …
TIRANA, April 12 – The Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs unveiled the detailed agenda of the Fourth Diaspora Summit, set to take place in Tirana from April 13 to 15. The ministry said the event aims to strengthen ties with Albanians abroad and translate diaspora potential into concrete development …
At the Kakavija border crossing, heavy movement has continued throughout the day on both sides of the border due to the Orthodox Easter celebrations. According to the Border Police, during the last 24 hours, a total of 7,649 citizens were processed at Kakavija in both entry and exit directions — …
The Chairman of the Democratic Party, Sali Berisha, extended Easter wishes to Orthodox believers, describing it as the holy day of Christ’s resurrection and a moment for reflection on moral values. In his message, Berisha expressed hope that next Easter will be celebrated without the great hardship that has affected …
Prime Minister Edi Rama stated in his podcast “Flasim” that in the coming days Albania will receive a report from the European Union on public procurement, prepared by professional EU instruments. According to the head of government, the EU report is a reliable and high-quality instrument that has analyzed the …
Prime Minister Edi Rama continued today with the next episode of his podcast “Flasim.” During the podcast, he addressed the first topic, speaking about the 4th Diaspora Summit. Rama emphasized that the summit will begin tomorrow with the welcoming ceremony and, as he noted, it will once again bring together …
Sports activities organized during weekends in Gjirokastër are attracting increasing interest from children and young people. Championships in various sports are held at the city’s Sports Palace and are followed with enthusiasm. Training sessions in sports such as basketball, volleyball, and badminton are eagerly attended by children and youth as …
A bar in Pogradec has decided not to serve customers today and, instead of musicians, has had three women perform as a form of irony toward the government rule that will continue this year regarding live music being allowed only until midnight and a noise limit of 85 decibels. The …
On the 27th anniversary of the battle that would go down in history, in Koshare, former commander of the “Topi Unit” Battalion, Feriz Trezhnjeva, still vividly remembers his last meeting with the hero Agim Ramadani. Even after so many years, with strong emotions, he recounts the moment when Commander Katana …