Albanian Law Only Partially Decriminalising Defamation Disappoints Media Groups
New changes to the Albanian criminal code that only partially abolish defamation as an offence have been criticised by media freedom organisations, citing concerns over freedom of speech. Original post Here
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: January 26, 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
A Case of Theatrical Diplomacy
Tirana Times, January 26, 2026 – Albania’s attempted entry into the Peace Board has become a revealing episode, not because of the significance of the initiative itself, but because of the way Albania’s leadership chose to stage and communicate it domestically. The Peace Board represents a new and ambitious international …
Albania Joins the Peace Board
Tirana Times, January 25, 2026 – Albania has joined the Peace Board, a newly established international mechanism initiated by U.S. President Donald Trump, aimed at overseeing peace agreements and post-conflict stabilization efforts, with an initial focus on the Gaza Strip. The Peace Board was formally launched during the World Economic …
Opposition Protests as Corruption Case Deepens Political Crisis
The crisis deepens as the government shields Deputy PM Balluku and a criminal network emerges in AKSHI Tirana Times, January 25, 2026 – Albania’s main opposition party returned to the streets on Saturday with a second national protest against Prime Minister Edi Rama, challenging the legitimacy of his fourth term …
Environmentalists Urge Suspension of Kushner Island Resort Project in Albania
Forty-one environmental organisations from 28 countries have called for a halt to the planned development by Jared Kushner of Albania’s Sazan island as a luxury resort, saying it threatens the valuable biodiversity of the area. Original post Here
Kosovo, Bulgaria, Turkey Join Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’
Kosovo, Bulgaria and Turkey have signed the Board of Peace Charter, under Donald Trump’s auspices, but several other Balkan countries are still pondering whether to join the initiative. Original post Here
‘Worrying’ Loss of Pristine Rivers in Balkans Highlighted by Study
Balkan countries are continuing to sacrifice their remaining clean river stretches to development and pollution, a new assessment warns. Original post Here
‘Balkan Nostradamus’: Baba Vanga’s Visions Still Flood Albania’s Media Landscape
The Bulgarian mystic’s doomy predictions continue to grab headlines in Albania and elsewhere – even though many seem fabricated and sometimes appear to serve Russian geopolitical narratives. Original post Here
King Salman Center Launches Fourth Cycle of International Disability Research Prize
Tirana, 21.01.2026 – Research on disability has increasingly moved into the centre of international scientific and policy discussions, reflecting broader debates about inclusion, quality of life and access to public space. Against this wider backdrop, the King Salman Center for Disability Research (KSCDR) has opened nominations for the 4th cycle of …
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 …