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
Elbasan County Council Honors Saudi Ambassador for Humanitarian Contributions
Tirana Times, January 29, 2026 – This Tuesday, the Elbasan County Council has formally honored the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Albania, Faisal Ghazi Al-Hafthi, in recognition of his humanitarian engagement and his contribution to strengthening bilateral relations at the local level. The ceremony, held in Elbasan, …
Albania’s EU Progress ‘Says More About Brussels Than Tirana’
Albania has opened every negotiation ‘cluster’ as it races along the road to EU accession, but who should get the credit – Edi Rama’s government? Anti-graft prosecutors? Or even Vladimir Putin? Original post Here
How a Balkan Wind Farm Aids US National Security
Energy suppliers in southeastern Europe are heavily politicized and sometimes nefarious. The US can aid democratic stability through energy engagement. By David J. Kostelancik When Congress passed the Western Balkans Democracy and Prosperity Act as part of the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), it sent a clear signal: energy security in Southeastern …
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
TIRANA, September 7 – A powerful wildfire that swept through the Levan area of Fier in recent days has left homes scorched, olive groves burned and large areas of land blackened. Footage obtained by RTSH shows the extent of the damage across the affected territory. Large areas have been reduced …
TIRANA, September 7 – Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koca has highlighted the importance of vocational education as a concrete opportunity for young people to prepare for the labour market and build their professional future. In a social media post, Koca shared messages from Ema and Belkisa, two students who have …
TIRANA, September 7 – Six homes and long-standing olive trees were destroyed by the wildfire that swept through the hills of Himara on September 4, Mayor Vangjel Tavo said. He added that no one was killed or injured. In a television interview, Tavo said the fire started at around 19:40 …
TIRANA, September 7 – New lending to agriculture increased by 23% in the first seven months of 2026, reaching ALL 1.38 billion, according to data from the Bank of Albania. At the end of July, the agricultural loan portfolio reached ALL 6.83 billion, up 9.3% from a year earlier. Agricultural …
TIRANA, September 7 – The Institute of Geosciences expects a high wildfire risk today and Tuesday across 10 Albanian regions. Air temperatures could reach 34 C. The institute says the risk will remain high in Shkodër, Lezha, Dibër, Durrës, Tirana, Elbasan, Fier, Berat, Vlora and Gjirokastër this afternoon and on …
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. …