Government Moves to Shield Cabinet from Prosecution as Judiciary–Executive Clash Deepens
Proposed changes to the Criminal Procedure Code following the suspension of Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku trigger opposition backlash, institutional tension, and renewed concerns over judicial independence and EU accession. Tirana Times, February 16 2026 – The Albanian government has launched an urgent legislative initiative to amend the Criminal Procedure …
Republic of Prosecutors or Republic of Corruption?
This content is for members only. Visit the site and log in/register to read. The post Republic of Prosecutors or Republic of Corruption? appeared first on Tirana Times. Original post Here
Albanian Ruling Party Proposes Law Granting Senior Officials Immunity
Proposed legal changes, which would protect ministers and other top officials from suspension by the courts, draw condemnation as a move to block anti-corruption investigations. Original post Here
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: February 16, 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
Albania’s AI Minister Diella Sued by Actor Over Image Use
Tirana Times, February 15, 2026 – Albania’s much publicized artificial intelligence “minister” Diella is now at the center of a legal and political controversy after actor Anila Bisha filed a lawsuit against the Albanian government, accusing state institutions of unlawfully using her image and voice. The case, filed at the Administrative …
Shielding Power from Justice
How legislative moves to protect senior officials are putting Albania’s rule of law and EU path at risk By Zef Preçi When governments begin rewriting the rules to protect themselves from the courts, the problem is no longer legal. It is political. Albania’s latest debate over judicial measures against senior …
Week in Review: Commitment, Stasis and the Epstein Effect
An unfolding scandal of global proportions combines with eventful developments in the region in our selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories this week. Original post Here
Kosovo, Albania Parliaments Adopt Resolutions Seeking Justice for Thaci
MPs in both Kosovo and Albania on Thursday adopted declarations in support of the four former guerilla KLA leaders, including Thaci, whose trial for war crimes in The Hague is coming to an end. Original post Here
Actress Sues Albanian Govt for Using Her Image for AI ‘Minister’
Actress Anila Bisha told BIRN that her image was used as the face of Albania’s AI-generated public procurements ‘minister’ without proper permission. Original post Here
Albania’s AI Facade Cracks While Neighbors Win EU Funds
Tirana Times, February 10, 2026 – Serbia and North Macedonia have secured concrete European Union funding to integrate into Europe’s emerging artificial intelligence infrastructure, while Albania—despite high-profile political messaging around AI—has been left outside the first wave of financed projects. According to the latest map and project list published by …
Minister of Defense Ermal Nufi welcomed today members of the US Senate and House of Representatives staff at the Ministry of Defense. The US officials are taking part in the “Balkans Forward Congressional Fellowship 2026”, organized by the Atlantic Council. During the meeting, Nufi highlighted Albania’s growing role in Euro-Atlantic …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said today that planned investments in Sazan and Zvërnec will not harm protected areas. Speaking in an interview on “Flasim Shqip”, Rama explained that Sazan is not a protected area. He added that Zvërnec holds the status of a protected landscape under Category V. According to …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said today that investments in Zvërnec and Sazan are expected to attract other high-level investors to Albania. Speaking to journalist Rudina Xhunga on the “Flasim Shqip” program, Rama highlighted several major projects that could follow the investments in Sazan and Zvërnec. “They will create an experience …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said today that investors have never asked to buy Sazan Island and that the Albanian state will become a partner in the investment. Speaking to journalist Rudina Xhunga on the “Flasim Shqip” program, Rama addressed the investment plans for Sazan. He stressed that no one has …
The two floating thermal power plants will receive licenses, Minister of Infrastructure and Energy Enea Karakaçi said today. Karakaçi explained that the Energy Regulatory Entity (ERE) postponed its licensing decision because the authorities still need to complete several documents. Speaking to reporters after the government meeting, the minister addressed the …
Geotechnical and geophysical field surveys have started for the Korçë gasification project, Mayor Sotiraq Filo announced today. Filo described gasification as one of the city’s most important projects for the future. The project aims to build a modern natural gas distribution network. It will provide a more efficient energy and …
The Goddess of Butrint, one of Albania’s best-known archaeological heritage works, has returned to the place where archaeologists discovered it, the ancient city of Butrint. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja announced the return after the statue travelled from Butrint to Rome and later to the National Historical …
The Council of Ministers has proposed amendments to the Law on Environmental Protection to strengthen nature restoration, carbon removal certification and financial support for environmental projects. The draft law adds the “restoration of natural elements” as a new measure for environmental protection. The Council of Ministers will approve specific measures …
The National Theatre of Opera, Ballet and Folk Ensemble opened its new artistic season last night with an “Opera Gala”. The special evening celebrated lyrical music and brought together powerful voices, orchestral music and emotion on stage. The artists performed a rich program of world opera masterpieces. The gala marked …
Skënderbeu and Tirana shared the points after a dramatic 1-1 draw in Korçë in the fourth week of the Abissnet Superiore. A packed stadium created an intense atmosphere, with strong support from both sets of fans. The match also saw moments of tension between the two fan groups. Tirana started …