Monday Briefing from the Balkans: January 12, 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 Albanian Organized Crime Conquered Europe’s Cocaine Market
On a locked down November afternoon in 2020, as Europe grappled with Covid 19 restrictions, two Albanian men based in Belgium exchanged a handful of encrypted messages. Deciphered years later from the Sky ECC platform, their words captured a watershed moment in Europe’s cocaine trade. A shipment measured not in …
Port-to-Port: How Albanians Conquered the European Cocaine Market
BIRN reporters trace the rise of Albanian crime gangs to the top of the European cocaine trafficking ladder, from remote parts of Paraguay to European Union ports. Original post Here
Albania in 2026: Battles With Anti-Graft Prosecutors Risk Slowing EU Progress
Political polarisation and government pressure on the judiciary – sparked by investigations of top politicians – could hinder Albania’s rapid progress towards European Union membership. Original post Here
Heavy Rains Cause Evacuations and Discontent in Albania
Dramatic situation reported in several towns, while some locals complain of being abandoned. Original post Here
Albania Under Water: A Return to a Hobbesian State of Nature
TIRANA TIMES, December 6, 2025 – Albania is once again under water. Torrential rains over the past days have triggered massive flooding across almost the entire country, exposing not only the fragility of urban infrastructure but, more fundamentally, the long-term failure of governance. From the northern plains to the southern …
Europe Tightens the Fight Against Corruption, Albania at a Crossroad
By Zef Preçi, Executive Director of ACER As Albania presents itself as closer than ever to the European Union, a troubling contradiction has emerged in its domestic legal and political debate. While the EU is moving decisively toward tougher and more harmonized criminal rules against corruption, Albania is simultaneously discussing …
Housing Boom Prices Out Albanians
Allegations of money laundering in construction and claims of informal power networks, including the case of Ergys Agasi, fuel concerns over a distorted housing market Tirana Times, TIRANA, 05 January 2026 – For many middle income families in Tirana, buying an apartment has shifted from a realistic life goal to …
In Albania, Women Often Quit Local Councils to Make Way for Men
Democracy and the rights of women are being undermined in Albania by the practice of filling electoral candidate lists with women, only to have them resign en masse once the results are in and cede their seats to men. Original post Here
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: January 5, 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 5 – The wildfire situation in Levan, Fier, was much calmer on Friday evening, Defense Minister Ermal Nufi said after visiting the area. Nufi said teams were monitoring two fire hotspots. They are checking the areas again on Saturday morning from the ground and, most likely, from the …
TIRANA, September 5 – A large wildfire spread through Himara on Friday evening, creating a critical situation as strong winds pushed the flames closer to residential areas. The fire spread rapidly across hills near the 1 Maji neighborhood and the city’s bypass, burning large areas of orchards. At least one …
TIRANA, September 5 – Albania honors Mother Teresa today, remembering her life of service to the poor and sick. Her work made her one of the world’s most recognized humanitarian figures. September 5 is observed as the Day of Sanctification of Mother Teresa, an official national holiday that reflects her …
TIRANA, September 5 – Albania will experience stable atmospheric conditions on Saturday, according to the Military Meteorological Service. The weather will remain clear across the country, with long periods of sunshine. Temperatures are expected to reach up to 37 degrees Celsius. Winds will blow from the northeast to northwest at …
TIRANA, September 5 – The wildfire situation in Himara appears somewhat calmer early Saturday after a long and difficult night. The flames are no longer considered a direct threat to the city’s residential areas. The focus has shifted to the hills below Pilur, where the fire remains active. Teams are …
President Bajram Begaj visited Përmet and praised its development model. The model combines cultural and religious heritage, natural resources and local traditions. First, Begaj met Përmet Mayor Alma Hoxha and local officials. They discussed the growing number of tourists and the return of young people from abroad to invest in …
Egnatia continued its winning run in the Abissnet Superiore. The champions beat Skënderbeu 2-1 in Rrogozhinë on Friday. Skënderbeu created the first big chance in the 11th minute. However, Bismark missed a penalty after Dajsinani saved his shot. Egnatia took the lead three minutes later. Albanese found the net in …
The new European Union Ambassador to Albania, Sofia Moreira de Sousa, has officially started her mission in Tirana. In a video message from the Albanian capital, Moreira de Sousa highlighted her commitment to supporting Albania’s European integration process. “It is an honor to serve in Albania at such an important …
Durrës turned into a seaside sports arena as the first day of the Beach Volleyball event brought excitement to the “Taulantia” promenade. Teams competed in an energetic atmosphere. Meanwhile, spectators followed the matches closely and enjoyed the action by the sea. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared footage from the event …
Albania offers an ideal balance between relaxation and cultural exploration, according to Spanish travel magazine “Viajar.” The country combines historic cities, Roman ruins, beautiful beaches and a rich culinary tradition. Albania has something for every traveler. Visitors can enjoy the coast, explore historic towns, hike through mountains and discover important …