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
Albania is moving to bring its disabled access standards into line with the EU’s own, but activists warn that without funding and effective enforcement, the new law could once again fail to deliver meaningful change. Original post Here
The Albania national football team began preparations today for its next four UEFA Nations League matches. Head coach Rolando Maran led the first training session at the “House of Football” in Tirana. A total of 26 players took part in the session. Players who featured for their clubs over the …
Italian writer Roberto Ferrucci led the “Travel Diary” workshop today at the “Sotir Kolea” Centre of the National Library in Tirana. The workshop focuses on travel writing. It explores how writers can use their experiences to describe places, encounters and personal stories. The Italian Cultural Institute in Tirana organised the …
Albania has joined the international community committed to peaceful, transparent and responsible space exploration after Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha signed the Artemis Accords. The ceremony took place at NASA headquarters in Washington. NASA Deputy Administrator Matt Anderson and US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Space and Environment Connor Tomlinson …
Tuesday will bring stable weather conditions across Albania, according to the Military Meteorological Service. The country will see clear skies. Eastern mountain areas may have occasional light to moderate cloud cover. Temperatures will reach up to 30C. Meanwhile, winds will blow from the northeast to northwest at an average speed …
The Encyclopaedia Britannica, a widely used reference publication, traces Albania’s history from ancient Illyria and the Roman period through Ottoman rule, independence, the two world wars, communism and the establishment of democracy. Its report also follows the country’s gradual orientation toward the West and Euro-Atlantic integration. The report highlights the …
RTSH has opened applications for the 65th Festival of Song. Albanian artists, composers and creators from Albania, Kosova and the diaspora can apply from September 22 to 27. The call targets creators and performers of Albanian popular music who want to compete in this year’s festival in December. Applicants must …
French media outlet Ouest France highlights Albania as an increasingly attractive option for affordable Mediterranean all-inclusive holidays. The article places Albania among destinations such as Tunisia, Greece, the Canary Islands, Bodrum, Egypt and Mallorca. It points to the country’s beaches, warm climate, Mediterranean cuisine and competitive prices. Ouest France presents …
Kosovo boxer Donjeta Sadiku secured a convincing victory at the “Sofia 2026” European Boxing Championships in Bulgaria. Sadiku defeated Russia’s Alina Pushkar 5-0 in the women’s up to 60-kilogram category. She controlled the bout from start to finish. The Kosovo boxer delivered a strong performance across all three rounds. She …
President Bajram Begaj attended the final stage of the “Arber Shield 2026” exercise in Bizë. The Light Infantry Battalion Group completed the exercise and received a “Mission Capable” certification under NATO standards. Speaking at the ceremony, Begaj praised the Armed Forces for their high level of training, discipline and professionalism. …