Behind Albania’s Collapsing Roads: Clientelism and Corruption
Tirana Times, February 12 2026 – The rapid deterioration of newly inaugurated roads and tunnels across Albania has exposed far more than technical shortcomings. What authorities have sought to explain as weather-related damage is increasingly understood as a symptom of deeper governance failures rooted in clientelism, weak oversight, and systemic …
Solar Energy Revolution Comes at a Cost in Rural Albania
Photovoltaic parks are multiplying across Albania as the country aims for ‘energy sovereignty’ – but locals say losing agricultural land to solar panels is a blow to their livelihoods. Original post Here
Albania’s TikTok Ban Expires, But Promised Protections Still Pending
As a one-year ban ends, Albanian authorities say they are still working with TikTok on ‘relevant filters’ to better protect young users of the video-sharing app. Original post Here
Letter From Brussels: The Epstein Effect Hits Europe
In her latest monthly dispatch from Brussels, Gjeraqina Tuhina looks at the ripple-effects of the Jeffrey Epstein saga, while Serbia falls behind on the long march to EU accession. Original post Here
Opposition Takes to the Streets as Corruption Scandal Reaches the Heart of Power
Tirana Times, February 10, 2026 – Thousands of Albanians filled the streets of Tirana on Tuesday evening in a national protest called by the opposition Democratic Party, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama, the dismissal of his government, and the establishment of a technical cabinet to lead the …
Balkans Seeing ‘Serious Stagnation’ in Tackling Corruption: Transparency International
As Transparency International releases its latest corruption perception index, the watchdog’s Lidija Prokic tells BIRN that anti-graft drives have faltered across the Western Balkans – in Serbia especially. Original post Here
BIRN Reality Check: With Its Mayor Behind Bars, Stasis Grips Albania’s Capital
Awaiting trial on graft charges, Tirana mayor Erion Veliaj has fought hard to maintain his position after the Albanian government tried to dismiss him – but how is the city being governed while he’s in a cell? Original post Here
EU Presses Parliament Over Deputy PM Immunity
Albania’s choice now will signal whether it is converging with that standard or drifting toward a system where, as Orwell warned, all are equal, but some remain more equal than others. Tirana Times, 09 February 2026 – The European Union has publicly urged the Albanian Parliament to address without delay …
Is A Storm Gathering Over Justice in Albania?
By Zef Preçi Tirana Times, 09 February 2026 – The campaign that Albania’s ruling Socialist Party appears to be preparing against the Special Anti Corruption Structure (SPAK) raises serious concerns not only about the future of the rule of law in the country but also about the credibility of Albania’s …
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: February 9, 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
The Edi Rama met tourism operators in Vlora. He promoted major development and investment plans. First, he said Vlora transforms into a key tourism hub. He stressed that projects attract more visitors and investors. Moreover, he said Albania offers a safe environment for living and business. Therefore, he compared Vlora …
Edi Rama met tourism operators in Vlora. He focused on tourism growth and investment strategy.First, he said tourism demand continues to grow. He added that Albania can attract visitors beyond the summer season. Moreover, he said investment interest is increasing. Therefore, he urged operators to use this opportunity. In addition, …
TIRANA, April 14 – Prime Minister Edi Rama called on the Albanian diaspora to invest in their homeland during the Fourth Diaspora Summit in Tirana. He introduced the “Mountains Package” as a policy tool for rural development and investment. At the opening of his address, he described the initiative as …
TIRANA, April 14 – The Fourth Diaspora Summit continued at the Palace of Congresses in Tirana. Officials highlighted the role of Albanians abroad in national development and European integration. Speaker of Parliament Niko Peleshi described the gathering as important for Albania’s EU path. At the opening of his address, he …
Edi Rama met tourism operators in Vlora. He focused on tourism growth and development. First, he said tourist arrivals increased in March compared to last year. He highlighted strong growth from Europe and the United States. Moreover, he shared detailed statistics. For example, visitors from Italy rose by 11%, while …
In the heart of the Pazari i Vjetër i Krujës, Dëshira Maja has worked for 48 years. She creates carpets, blankets, and bags with Albanian motifs. First, she continues a family tradition. She learned the craft from her mother. She still follows the same traditional methods today. Moreover, she works …
Elbasani defeated Partizani Tirana 3–0 in a key Superliga match. First, Elbasani started the game strongly. They stayed competitive in a tight first half. Moreover, the match turned intense in the second half. Elbasani received a red card when Emiljano Musta was sent off. However, Elbasani did not slow down. …
Albania women’s national football team completed preparations for their qualifier against Wales for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 qualification. First, the team finished training in good condition. The squad reported strong fitness and no injury problems. Moreover, the players focused fully on the upcoming match. The coaching staff emphasized …
TIRANA, April 14 – Prime Minister Edi Rama addressed the Fourth Diaspora Summit in Tirana and said the diaspora now participates directly in national decision-making. He linked the change to external voting rights and wider political inclusion. At the opening of the address, voting from abroad shifted from demand to …
TIRANA, April 14 – Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja held talks with an international team of architects and local experts on the proposed “Illiri Oceanarium – Museum of Water” project in Vlora. The initiative aims to develop a regional tourism, cultural, and research destination. The meeting brought together …