The Kurum Case and the Collapse of Environmental Oversight in Albania
Tirana Times, 08 February 2026 – The Kurum waste file has exposed one of the most serious environmental and governance scandals in Albania in recent years, revealing not only the illegal export of hazardous waste but also the disappearance of tens of thousands of tons of industrial byproducts inside the …
Russian Propaganda in North Macedonia
by Agron Vrangalla Tirana Times, 08 February 2026 – Moscow systematically uses information manipulation as an instrument of foreign policy. In North Macedonia, Russian propaganda relies on several recurring narratives that exploit domestic political tensions and social vulnerabilities. The impact of Russian propaganda in the Western Balkans is neither new …
Deputy Prime Minister Resuspended By Court Ruling
Parliament now expected to lift immunity. Tirana Times, 08 February 2026 – The Constitutional Court’s decision to leave in force the suspension of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Belinda Balluku has reopened a deep institutional conflict in Albania, sharpening tensions between the executive, the judiciary, and Parliament, while placing …
Week in Review: Saviours, Crypto Fugitives and Unlikely Friendships
A Canadian on the run in Bosnia, an Albanian’s controversial jaunt to Israel and a Brit looking to the Balkans for possible salvation – this week’s selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories has an international flavour. Original post Here
Albanian PM’s Private Jet Trip to Israel Raises Transparency Questions
During last week’s visit to Israel, Albania’s Prime Minister used a private jet once owned by Sam Bankman Fried, now-jailed owner of crypto exchange FTX – but it’s unclear who footed the bill. Original post Here
Albania Arrests 20 for Toxic Waste-Trafficking to Thailand
The suspects are among 33 people accused of involvement in shipping a cargo of dangerous industrial waste from Albania to Thailand. Original post Here
As Trump’s Family Eyes Pristine Albanian Coast, Villagers Cry Foul
The US president’s son-in-law wants to build a tourism development in southern Albania, but residents of the unspoilt strip around Zvernec say a dispute over ownership of the land is being ignored. Original post Here
Local roads, national standards: Tropojë case tests Albania’s procurement and oversight
Tropojë Mayor Indicted for Illegal Roadworks Tirana Times, 02 February 2026 – In a case related to alleged abuse of office, Albania’s Special Court has sent Tropojë’s mayor Rexhë Byberi and his deputy Abedin Kërrnaja to trial on charges of “abuse of office” related to local infrastructure projects. The officials are …
Hamid’s Story: A Tale of Death and Europe’s Drift Towards Offshore Detention
The Italy-Albania asylum ‘offshoring’ scheme is being studied by other Western European governments wanting to look tough on migration. But the case of Hamid Badoui, who took his own life after being held at an Albanian migrant detention camp, highlights the human cost. Original post Here
We Were Always Here: The Balkans Should Honour Its LGBTQ+ Pioneers
Balkan LGBTQ+ people, both in the region and in the diaspora, are often told that their identities are incompatible. It’s time to hear a different story – and learn more about the region’s pioneers. Original post Here
The Diaspora Summit IV opened today in Tirana. It gathers Albanians from around the world. The event promotes cooperation, identity, and development. The summit runs on April 13–15. It uses the slogan “Through roots we rise.” It brings together diaspora representatives, state institutions, business leaders, academics, and civil society. The …
The match between Bylis and Dinamo City ended 1–1 in Ballsh. It was part of week 31 of the Albanian Superliga. First, Bylis took the lead early. In the 9th minute, Aboubacar Camara scored. As a result, the home team went ahead. However, Dinamo City pushed forward. In the 82nd …
Ferit Hoxha said the Albanian diaspora represents “Albania beyond borders.” He shared the message on social media. He spoke after the opening of the Fourth Diaspora Summit. During the event, President Bajram Begaj honored several prominent diaspora figures. Hoxha praised the diaspora’s role. He highlighted its contribution to promoting Albania …
The Ministria për Evropën dhe Punët e Jashtme e Shqipërisë congratulated Hungary’s new Prime Minister Péter Magyar and the Tisza Party. First, the ministry welcomed the election victory. It praised the strong mandate from Hungarian voters. Moreover, it said Albania values close cooperation with Hungary. Therefore, it committed to strengthening …
The Edi Rama congratulated Hungary’s new Prime Minister Péter Magyar for his election victory. First, Rama praised past cooperation with Hungary’s previous government. He highlighted close Albania–Hungary relations. Moreover, he thanked former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán for collaboration during his term. In addition, he welcomed Hungary’s political change. He congratulated …
TIRANA, April 13 – Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met Swedish Member of Parliament Arbër Gashi in Tirana during the fourth Diaspora Summit. In a social media post, Hoxha described Gashi as a success story and a dignified representative of Albanians abroad. He said such examples reflect …
The Aeroporti Ndërkombëtar “Nënë Tereza” hosted a special cultural moment. Folk artists from Përmet performed traditional music and dance. First, the Edi Rama shared the event on social media. He highlighted the warm atmosphere created by the performers. Moreover, the Ansambli Folklorik i Përmetit brought traditional “saze” music to life. …
Albania is gaining global attention. It is no longer a hidden secret. Instead, it is becoming a rising travel trend. In recent years, people no longer rely only on travel guides. They use social media to plan trips. They trust real experiences shared online. As a result, new destinations are …
With European car demand fluctuating and margins under pressure, manufacturers of car parts in Albania are navigating a delicate shift from cost-based competitiveness to structural adaptation. Original post Here
TIRANA, April 12 – Tirana will host the fourth edition of the Diaspora Summit on April 13, bringing together Albanians from across the world for a two-day program focused on cooperation and development. Prime Minister Edi Rama said in his weekly podcast that the summit will open with a welcome …