Albanian Prime Minister Under Pressure Dismisses Deputy Accused of Corruption
After months of defending his deputy and Minister of Infrastructure, Belinda Balluku, who faces allegations of manipulating public tenders, Edi Rama finally dismissed her on Thursday night. Original post Here
Week in Review: Trades and Betrayals
From European Union accession hopes to ongoing corruption investigations, our selection of Premium stories this week takes a look at the political wheeling and dealing going on behind the scenes in the region. Original post Here
PM Rama’s Big Shake-Up as SPAK Closes In
Tirana Times, February 26, 2026 – Prime Minister Edi Rama carried out one of the deepest cabinet reshuffles of his fourth term, replacing officials across several of the most powerful ministries in a move that comes as his government faces rising scrutiny, swelling scandal pressure and an intensifying anti-corruption push …
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
Prime Minister Edi Rama gave former New York City mayor Eric Adams an Albanian ID card and passport in Tirana. The ceremony took place during the fourth Albanian Diaspora Summit gala evening. Rama said no one expected the former New York mayor to become a citizen of Tirana and Albania. …
Organizers presented the “Jusuf Vrioni” translation awards during the fourth Albanian Diaspora Summit gala in Tirana. The Publishing Center for the Diaspora launched the competition for young translators from the diaspora. Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro announced the winners. They will receive contracts with the Publishing Center for the Diaspora. They …
Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha met Kosovo Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Glauk Konjufca in Tirana during the fourth Albanian Diaspora Summit. Both leaders emphasized stronger cooperation between Albania and Kosovo. They highlighted the Albanian diaspora as a key asset for national development. Hoxha said the diaspora connects the nation …
Albania marks 105 years since the birth of actor Pandi Raidhi. He remains one of the most beloved figures of Albanian theatre and cinema. He died in Tirana in 1999. Raidhi co-founded the Professional Estrada of Korça. He also helped establish the “Andon Zako Çajupi” Theatre. He made his film …
Minister of State for Local Government Ervin Demo said the diaspora can become a key driver of change in Albania through investment. He made the statement during the fourth Albanian Diaspora Summit in Tirana. Demo said authorities should not view relations with the diaspora only through remittances. He said the …
On April 14, 1966, archaeologists discovered one of Albania’s most valuable cultural heritage sites, the Durrës Amphitheatre. The amphitheatre stands as a living testimony to the ancient glory of the city. Builders constructed it in the 2nd century AD during the reign of Roman Emperor Trajan, when Durrës served as …
Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Blendi Gonxhja highlighted the exhibition “Sociological Record” at the Marubi Museum in Shkodër. He described it as a unique opportunity for visitors who enjoy stories behind photographs and historical visual journeys. The exhibition presents hidden worlds inside homes, faces, and memories from Albania in …
The Roman Forum in Butrint National Park will join the tourist itinerary for the first time. The Butrint Management Foundation will start work on a new conservation project. The project will organize the area, cover excavations with sterile soil, and preserve the remains of the Roman Forum. Dense vegetation currently …
The documentary “Besa – a word of honor” aired on Israeli public television Makan on International Holocaust Remembrance Day. The film tells the story of the Albanian code of honor known as “Besa.” It highlights how Albanians protected at least 2,000 Jews during World War II. The documentary follows a …
Prime Minister Edi Rama spoke this Tuesday at the Diaspora Summit, where he highlighted Albania’s transformation in recent years, particularly in the areas of justice reform and tourism. Speaking on the second day of the summit, Rama emphasized the role of the Albanian diaspora, describing it as a key part …