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
President of the Albanian Football Federation (FSHF) Armand Duka met today with Paolo Zampolli, US President Donald Trump’s Special Envoy for Global Partnerships. Zampolli is visiting Tirana as part of a wider tour. During his visit, he has met representatives of state institutions, political leaders and other stakeholders in Albania. …
Minister of Defense Ermal Nufi met today with Major General Jasper Jeffers, Commander of the US Special Operations Command Central (SOCCENT) and Commander of the International Stabilization Force (ISF) in Gaza. During the meeting, the two sides highlighted the importance of the close Albania-US partnership in defense and security. “Our …
President Bajram Begaj called for cooperation, commitment and dialogue as Albania opened its new parliamentary session today. Begaj urged political forces to work together even when they disagree. He said they should always focus on the country’s interests. “Political mandates and beliefs differ, but our responsibility toward Albania is shared. …
President of the Albanian National Olympic Committee (KOKSH) Fidel Ylli welcomed US Special Envoy for Global Partnerships Paolo Zampolli during a special visit focused on strengthening international cooperation through sport. According to KOKSH, the visit created a new opportunity to strengthen communication and international partnerships in sport. Albania is also …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha condemned tributes to Ratko Mladic in Serbia today. “Albania condemns the glorification of Ratko Mladic, a convicted war criminal who died while serving a life sentence for genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes,” Hoxha wrote in a post on X. Hoxha …
Former Albania national team captain Lorik Cana has strongly reacted in an Instagram post, commenting on a photograph of a young woman and expressing concern over how younger generations are confronting the past and relations between peoples. Cana said the photograph made him “deeply sad,” stressing that the younger generation …
Kosovo’s acting Prime Minister, Albin Kurti, has accused Serbia of “state worship of genocide” following the burial with state honors of convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić. Mladić, who was convicted of genocide for the Srebrenica massacre in Bosnia and Herzegovina, where 8,372 Bosniaks, mainly men and boys, were killed in …
The Albanian Parliament opened the third session of its 11th Legislature today, resuming parliamentary activity following the recess. At the first plenary sitting of the new session, Speaker of Parliament Niko Peleshi delivered the opening remarks, emphasizing Parliament’s responsibility to continue working in the interests of citizens and the country. …
Director General, Senior Director Skender Hita has continued his meetings with local and border police structures as part of intensified measures to strengthen the rule of law across the country. During meetings in Vlorë, Gjirokastër, Shkodër and Lezhë, Director Hita focused on the crime situation, particularly serious crimes, as well …
The new EU Ambassador to Albania, Sofia Moreira de Sousa, posted on X about her meeting with Prime Minister Edi Rama earlier today. Alongside a photo from the meeting, the Ambassador wrote that the discussion focused on Albania’s European future, expressing optimism about it. Full statement: “Today I had my …