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 …
Hamid’s Story: A Tale of Death and Europe’s Drift Towards Offshore Detention
The Italy-Albania asylum ‘offshoring’ scheme is being studied by other Western European governments wanting to look tough on migration. But the case of Hamid Badoui, who took his own life after being held at an Albanian migrant detention camp, highlights the human cost. Original post Here
We Were Always Here: The Balkans Should Honour Its LGBTQ+ Pioneers
Balkan LGBTQ+ people, both in the region and in the diaspora, are often told that their identities are incompatible. It’s time to hear a different story – and learn more about the region’s pioneers. Original post Here
Ivanka Trump Visit Reignites Property Dispute in Zvërnec
Plans by relatives of U.S. President Donald Trump to build a luxury resort in the scenic coastal area of Zvërnec have sidelined local residents and their property claims, while intersecting with a long-running court battle involving controversial real estate businessman Artur Shehu. By Vladimir Karaj Tirana Times, 02 February 2026 …
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: February 2, 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
Tunnel Revelation Raises Awkward Questions for Albanian Government
The Murrizi Tunnel was opened to much fanfare in March last year, not long before a parliamentary election. Now the Albanian Road Authority says it has yet been certified for use. Original post Here
Albania and the Balkans in the Epstein Files
Tirana Times, 01 February 2026 – The release of more than three million pages of documents linked to the Jeffrey Epstein case by the United States Department of Justice has expanded the scope of one of the most disturbing scandals of the past decade far beyond the United States. The …
Week in Review: Plots, Twists and Chaos
Expecting the unexpected seems to be the name of the game in both global politics and the domestic politics of the region, as 2026 kicks off with a few unexpected twists. Original post Here
Unlikely Friendship: Albanian PM Eyes Potential Gains From Israel Alliance
Critics accused Edi Rama of overlooking Palestinian suffering during his recent visit to Israel. But both he and his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu, see advantages in a closer relationship. Original post Here
After more than two days off Instagram, Euronews Albania’s official account has been restored and is once again accessible to the public. The restoration comes after extensive efforts and ongoing communication with Meta, while the issue that led to the suspension of the account continues to be under investigation by …
As anti-government demonstrations in Tirana reach the 100-day mark, four experts discuss how significant the impact on Albanian politics and society will be. Original post Here
Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here
TIRANA, September 7 – A total of 20 wildfire hotspots were reported across Albania on Monday, according to the Ministry of Defense. Eleven remain active, while seven are under monitoring and two have been fully extinguished. Local civil protection structures are working with the Armed Forces to control the fires. …
TIRANA, September 7 – A total of 20 wildfire hotspots were reported across Albania on Monday, according to the Ministry of Defense. Eleven remain active, while seven are under monitoring and two have been fully extinguished. Local civil protection structures are working with the Armed Forces to control the fires. …
TIRANA, September 7 – Albania is expected to have stable weather conditions on Monday, with clear skies and long periods of sunshine across the country, according to the Military Meteorological Service. No significant changes in weather conditions are expected during the day. Clear skies will prevail across the entire territory. …
TIRANA, September 7 – Albania is expected to have stable weather conditions on Monday, with clear skies and long periods of sunshine across the country, according to the Military Meteorological Service. No significant changes in weather conditions are expected during the day. Clear skies will prevail across the entire territory. …
TIRANA, September 7 – Gjirokastër Castle attracted 200,000 visitors from January through August, Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu said on Sunday. The figure reflects growing interest in one of Albania’s most visited tourist destinations. Visitors from Albania and abroad continue to choose Gjirokastër for its history, architecture, landscape and gastronomy. …
TIRANA, September 7 – Gjirokastër Castle attracted 200,000 visitors from January through August, Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu said on Sunday. The figure reflects growing interest in one of Albania’s most visited tourist destinations. Visitors from Albania and abroad continue to choose Gjirokastër for its history, architecture, landscape and gastronomy. …
TIRANA, September 7 – Dinamo City closed the third round of the 2026-2027 Abissnet Superiore season with a 2-1 comeback win over AF Elbasani at Elbasan Arena. The victory was Dinamo’s second in a row and lifted Ilir Daja’s side to six points. Elbasani took the lead in the 25th …