Week in Review: Commitment, Stasis and the Epstein Effect
An unfolding scandal of global proportions combines with eventful developments in the region in our selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories this week. Original post Here
Kosovo, Albania Parliaments Adopt Resolutions Seeking Justice for Thaci
MPs in both Kosovo and Albania on Thursday adopted declarations in support of the four former guerilla KLA leaders, including Thaci, whose trial for war crimes in The Hague is coming to an end. Original post Here
Actress Sues Albanian Govt for Using Her Image for AI ‘Minister’
Actress Anila Bisha told BIRN that her image was used as the face of Albania’s AI-generated public procurements ‘minister’ without proper permission. Original post Here
Albania’s AI Facade Cracks While Neighbors Win EU Funds
Tirana Times, February 10, 2026 – Serbia and North Macedonia have secured concrete European Union funding to integrate into Europe’s emerging artificial intelligence infrastructure, while Albania—despite high-profile political messaging around AI—has been left outside the first wave of financed projects. According to the latest map and project list published by …
Behind Albania’s Collapsing Roads: Clientelism and Corruption
Tirana Times, February 12 2026 – The rapid deterioration of newly inaugurated roads and tunnels across Albania has exposed far more than technical shortcomings. What authorities have sought to explain as weather-related damage is increasingly understood as a symptom of deeper governance failures rooted in clientelism, weak oversight, and systemic …
Solar Energy Revolution Comes at a Cost in Rural Albania
Photovoltaic parks are multiplying across Albania as the country aims for ‘energy sovereignty’ – but locals say losing agricultural land to solar panels is a blow to their livelihoods. Original post Here
Albania’s TikTok Ban Expires, But Promised Protections Still Pending
As a one-year ban ends, Albanian authorities say they are still working with TikTok on ‘relevant filters’ to better protect young users of the video-sharing app. Original post Here
Letter From Brussels: The Epstein Effect Hits Europe
In her latest monthly dispatch from Brussels, Gjeraqina Tuhina looks at the ripple-effects of the Jeffrey Epstein saga, while Serbia falls behind on the long march to EU accession. Original post Here
Opposition Takes to the Streets as Corruption Scandal Reaches the Heart of Power
Tirana Times, February 10, 2026 – Thousands of Albanians filled the streets of Tirana on Tuesday evening in a national protest called by the opposition Democratic Party, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama, the dismissal of his government, and the establishment of a technical cabinet to lead the …
Balkans Seeing ‘Serious Stagnation’ in Tackling Corruption: Transparency International
As Transparency International releases its latest corruption perception index, the watchdog’s Lidija Prokic tells BIRN that anti-graft drives have faltered across the Western Balkans – in Serbia especially. Original post Here
Ukraine welcomes Albania’s ‘demonstration of solidarity’ in blocking the ‘Hanuman’ tanker, whose operator, it believes, is linked to Kremlin allies. Original post Here
The 13th edition of “KoKo Fest,” the International Comedy Festival, has closed in Korçë after ten days of theatre, comedy and artistic performances. The festival brought together nine theatre companies from Albania and the region, which filled the southeastern city with performances, humor and artistic energy. Throughout the festival, audiences …
Preparations for the 2027 UEFA European Under-21 Championship in Albania have entered another important phase. Today, UEFA representatives began inspecting the stadiums that will host matches during the tournament. They started their tour at “Loro Boriçi” Stadium in Shkodër. The delegation will then visit “Elbasan Arena” before continuing to Tirana. …
President Bajram Begaj has signed a decree dismissing Evis Sala as Minister of Health and Social Welfare, appointing Klodiana Spahiu as her successor. “Today, the President of the Republic, Bajram Begaj, decreed the dismissal of Ms. Evis Sala as Minister of Health and Social Welfare. He also decreed the appointment …
Albania will see stable weather conditions on Tuesday, with clear skies across the country. High atmospheric pressure will continue to dominate, keeping skies mostly clear and temperatures relatively high across most areas. According to MeteoAlb, clouds will increase slightly in the afternoon and later in the day. They will be …
Albanian footballers enjoyed another positive week in international leagues. Several national team players played key roles for their clubs, scoring goals and delivering strong performances. Rey Manaj, Kristjan Asllani, Ernest Muçi, Taulant Seferi, Cristian Shpendi and Bujar Pllana all found the net. Their goals helped their teams secure important results. …
The rich heritage of local traditions and folklore is drawing growing interest at the Ethnographic Museum this early autumn. Local and foreign visitors are showing particular interest in the area’s history, traditions and way of life over the years. Tour guides say interest in the city’s museums continues to grow. …
Apollonia attracts visitors throughout the year, while summer brings its largest tourist crowds. Around 92,000 tourists visited the Apollonia Archaeological Park from January through August. The figure marks a 5% increase compared with the same period last year. Visitors now come from every corner of the world, although Europeans make …
Kruja Castle remains one of Albania’s leading cultural tourism destinations. Every day, it attracts both domestic and international visitors. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared footage Monday morning showing “daily life at Kruja Castle.” The images show tourists exploring one of Albania’s most important historical heritage sites. The castle stands on …
Tirana offers plenty of options for visitors even on rainy days. From museums and cultural venues to New Bazaar and the cafés and restaurants of Blloku, visitors can explore the Albanian capital through indoor activities that combine history, culture and gastronomy. French travel media Generation Voyage highlighted these options in …