Letter from Washington: Buying Friends and Finding Common Foes
As Milorad Dodik comes in from the cold, Albanians impress on Trump that they have an enemy in common. Original post Here
Strategic-Sector Governance Under Strain:The Bankers Petroleum Case and China-Linked Risk Exposure in Albania
Tirana Times, February 25 2026 – Domestic governance gaps are the primary entry points through which foreign actors can generate corrosive outcomes in strategic sectors. The Bankers Petroleum illustrates how this happens: when fiscal terms are unclear, cost verification is weak and enforcement is irregular, revenue disputes can last for …
Balkan Leaders Vow Solidarity with Ukraine on Anniversary of Invasion
Croatian’s premier paid a visit to Kyiv alongside other EU leaders, while most Balkan leaders voiced strong support for Ukraine’s self-defence on the fourth anniversary of Russia’s military assault. Original post Here
Croatian President and Govt Wrangle over Israel Arms Sales
As Defence Minister talks defence sector collaboration with Israel, President Milanovic reminds government that last year he ordered an end to all cooperation with the Israeli army, citing its ‘unacceptable behaviour’. Original post Here
Growing Pains: Albania’s Farmers Find Pathway to EU Markets Hard to Follow
Albania’s huge agricultural sector is seeking to expand into European markets to flourish – but issues over old-fashioned methods, low productivity, banned pesticides and corruption stand in the way. Original post Here
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: February 23, 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
Share Your Experience: Overtourism from Spain to Turkey and the Balkans
Are you living in a hotspot destination? Struggling with rising rent in a popular neighbourhood or frustrated by the disruption caused by tourists? Tell us your story. Original post Here
Opposition protests mark renewed political tensions in Albania
Protest against the government on the anniversary of the fall of dictator Enver Hoxha’s statue Tirana Times, February 21, 2026 – The national opposition protest held in Tirana on 20 February 2026 marked a new and more volatile phase in Albania’s political confrontation, as long-standing institutional disputes spilled decisively into …
Albania to Contribute Troops to Gaza
PM Rama urges Trump to act on The Hague court and Kosovo leaders. Tirana Times, February 20 2026 – Albania has confirmed it will contribute troops and police personnel to the international stabilization mission in Gaza under the newly created Peace Board, an initiative announced by U.S. President Donald Trump …
Balkan Leaders Heap Praise on Trump’s Board of Peace at Ceremonial Launch
Balkan and Turkish leaders lauded the Board of Peace at its Washington launch on Thursday – while the participation of an EU Commissioner from Croatia drew criticism from some EU states about her presence. Original post Here
Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja said Albania is exploring new opportunities for cooperation in the film industry with artists and filmmakers from the United States and Canada. Gonxhja and Jonid Jorgji, head of the National Center of Cinematography, met with the group to discuss potential areas of collaboration. …
The streets of Shkodër, along with destinations such as Lake Koman and the Albanian Alps, continue to attract foreign visitors. Many tourists choose to spend several days exploring Albania’s nature and culture. “I come from the United States, and this is my first time in Albania. I really like it …
“Bregu i Lofatave,” an olive grove in Risili, Vlora, produces premium extra virgin olive oil for domestic and international markets. The farm now exports its products to several European countries and the United States. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a video of the olive grove on social media. He highlighted …
Democratic Party leader Sali Berisha has continued his visit to the United States with a meeting with the Albanian-American community in Texas. The meeting focused on discussions with Albanian-Americans who live and work in the state. Berisha also praised the community for its warm welcome and strong participation. In a …
Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, took part in the “The Balkans Meet in Trieste” conference. The Italian news agency ANSA organized the conference during the 34th General Assembly of the Alliance of Balkan News Agencies – Southeast Europe (ABNA-SE). The event brought together senior representatives from …
Tirana International Airport has made the shortlist for the “Airport of the Year 2026” award. The recognition reflects the airport’s development and ongoing investments in infrastructure and services. According to TIA, several key performance indicators helped secure its place among the finalists. These include operational efficiency, passenger experience, innovation and …
Technology and artificial intelligence are playing a growing role in the relationship between citizens and public administration. Parliament’s Committee on Legal Affairs and Public Administration discussed the issue while reviewing a bill to ratify the Council of Europe’s Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence, Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of …
Shkodra’s Old Bazaar, one of the city’s historic landmarks, will soon return to life through virtual reality (VR). The project will recreate the 19th-century bazaar. In addition, it will create a new tourist attraction for Shkodra. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja announced the project on Wednesday. According …
The Academy of Sciences today commemorated Zef Krispi, also known as Giuseppe Crispi, on the anniversary of his death. He was a bishop, Hellenist and professor at the University of Palermo, and one of the 19th-century Arbëresh scholars who devoted their work to Albanian language, history and culture. Born in …
The Tirana Mosaic has become one of the capital’s most important tourist attractions. It preserves valuable traces of Albania’s ancient history. After a full restoration and reconstruction, the site now attracts more local and foreign visitors. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja said the mosaic now connects cultural …