Albania Judges Warned Police of Threats Before Fatal Court Shooting
The shocking killing of judge Astrit Kalaja on Monday inside a Tirana court has led to serious questions over levels of security in the country’s institutions. Original post Here
Troubled Waters: Albania’s Wild River ‘Protected Only on Paper’
A wild river given protection as a ‘national park’ in 2023 still faces serious threats to its biodiversity from pollution – and Albania’s government is doing little to stop it. Original post Here
Albania’s Opposition Backs Actor-Activist for Tirana Mayor
The Democratic Party declared its support for an independent candidate, the actor Florjan Binaj – who is known for lampooning Prime Minister Edi Rama – in Tirana’s high-profile mayoral byelection next month. Original post Here
Judge Shot to Death in Albanian Courtroom
Judge Astrit Kalaja was shot and killed during a hearing at the Court of Appeal in Tirana, drawing shocked reactions from political leaders. Original post Here
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: October 6, 2025
Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here
Week in Review: Between Hope and Despair
While political deadlock feeds despair in some corners of the region, glimmers of hope shine through in others, as our selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories this week highlights. Original post Here
Albania and Colombia Arrest 17 for Trafficking Women for Sex Work
The EU police agency said 17 people suspected of trafficking women from South America to Europe for sexual exploitation have been arrested in Albania and Colombia. Original post Here
Rama’s Trump Joke Overshadows Copenhagen Summit
Tirana, Albania (Tirana Times). Prime Minister Edi Rama’s attempt at humor during a European summit turned into a viral spectacle on Thursday, overshadowing the European Political Community’s agenda in Copenhagen and sparking both international scrutiny and domestic criticism. The incident unfolded when Rama, known for injecting jokes into international meetings, …
Mayoral Election in Capital Stirs Albanian Opposition Hopes of Comeback
The byelection in Tirana, whose Socialist mayor is behind bars, is a precious opportunity for Albania’s opposition – but analysts warn that victory remains unlikely. Original post Here
Albania Govt Demands Elections in Capital Despite Jailed Mayor’s Court Appeal
Ruling Socialists push for new elections in Tirana as jailed mayor tries to block the move, claiming his dismissal is in breach of his constitutional rights. Original post Here
Kosova, Acting PM Kurti: Presidential agreement stands despite six Democratic League MPs’ opposition
TIRANA, September 2 – Acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti said the agreement between the Self-Determination Movement and the Democratic League of Kosova on the presidential nomination remains in place despite six Democratic League lawmakers opposing Bekim Sejdiu’s candidacy. After a meeting of the Self-Determination parliamentary group, Kurti said all 53 …
18-year-old weightlifter Enkileda Carja won another medal for Albania at the Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games. Carja secured bronze in the 69 kg snatch event after lifting 100 kg. She succeeded in two of her three attempts. First, Carja lifted 98 kg. Then, she successfully raised 100 kg after adding two …
TIRANA, September 2 – Defence Minister Ermal Nufi visited Albania’s Civil Emergency Support Base as the structure marked the 39th anniversary of its establishment. Nufi praised the base’s role during the difficult wildfire season. From April through August 2026, the base carried out 54 firefighting operations, deploying more than 1,500 …
The picturesque village of Lin will host the fourth edition of the Lin Festival from September 4 to 6, 2026. The National Center for Traditional Activities (QKVT) organizes the event to promote and preserve Albania’s intangible cultural heritage. Set along the shores of the lake, the festival will offer a …
Albania has significantly expanded its public beaches during the 2026 tourist season. The move gives local and international visitors more space, access, and affordable options. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja said today that municipalities increased the number of public beach station plots by 67% this season. Meanwhile, authorities …
TIRANA, September 2 – Border Police and the Marine Police Unit in Ksamil rescued four German tourists after the boat they were travelling on caught fire. Police said officers responded after receiving a report that a boat had caught fire inside near the Pema e Thatë area in Ksamil. Border …
TIRANA, September 2 – Sofia Moreira de Sousa is taking over as the new European Union ambassador to Albania after the end of Silvio Gonzato’s mandate. Moreira de Sousa will first present her credentials to President Bajram Begaj. The ceremony will formally mark the start of her mandate in Albania. …
TIRANA, September 2 – Tourism has the greatest potential for creating new jobs in Albania, according to the World Bank. A more diverse tourism offer could also spread employment opportunities beyond the summer season. The assessment comes from the World Bank’s FY 2026 Albania Country Opinion Survey Report, based on …
TIRANA, September 2 – Albania produced around 183,000 tonnes of grapes in 2025, according to the Agricultural Development and Rural Development Agency. Grape production continues to grow alongside vineyard expansion and new investment in technology and processing capacity. Fier, Elbasan, Berat and Vlora have some of the country’s largest vineyard …
TIRANA, September 2 – The International Monetary Fund has launched a mission in Albania focused on improving how the country plans, finances and implements public investments. The IMF instrument examines the full project cycle, from planning and selection to implementation and monitoring. IMF experts will be meeting senior officials at …