LDK against giving Thaci leading role in dialogue with Serbia
The opposition party of the Democratic League of Kosovo – LDK, will not support the Government’s platform on dialogue with Serbia, which gives President Hashim Thaci leading role in dialogue with Serbia. Original post Here
Opposition against giving Thaci a leading role in dialogue with Serbia
The biggest opposition party – the Democratic League of Kosovo has decided not to support Hashim Thaci as chief negotiator in the dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia. A source told Gazeta Express that the LDK has decided not to support the Government’s proposal for giving the President the leading role …
Kosovo Parliament to discuss President’s role in dialogue with Serbia
The Parliament of Kosovo is expected to review on Monday the draft-platform of the Government on finalization of the dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia, on normalization of relations. The Government in its strategy has proposed giving President Thaci a leading role in dialogue with Serbia. Original post Here
Reconciliation with Serbia only after recognizing Kosovo – PM Haradinaj
Kosovo Prime Minister, Ramush Haradinaj, said that Kosovo will accept reconciliation with Serbia in exchange to recognition. According to him, this does not mean that Kosovo will forget crimes that Serbia has committed the war at the end of 90s. Original post Here
Serbia asks European churches not to support Kosovo’s membership in UNESCO
Serbian Minister of Social Welfare, Zoran Djordjevic, during the General Assembly of the Conference of European Churches which is being held in Novi Sad, asked the support of European churches to prevent Kosovo’s membership in UNESCO. Original post Here
Serbia sends armed troops to Kosovo border
Serbia’s regular army and Gendarmerie have been deployed on Sunday morning near the border crossings with Kosovo in Jarinje, in northern part of the country, media are reporting. Original post Here
Mitrovica Bridge to open soon, says Mitrovica mayor
Albanian mayor of Mitrovica South, Agim Bahtiri, says the main bridge of Iber will open soon. The EU has financed a project on revitalisation of the main Bridge of Iber, turned into symbol of ethnic division between Serbs who live in the north and Albanians living in the south. Original …
Kosovo welcomes election of the new Spanish Prime Minister
Kosovo Deputy Prime Minister, Enver Hoxhaj, has congratulated the new Prime Minister of Spain, Pedro Sanchez, who was elected today by the Spanish parliament. Original post Here
Tech innovation finding its way in Kosovo
Kosovo has had a hard time competing in Europe with its pains of a recent war and a slowly developing economy. But one area where its youth has excelled is in adopting latest trends in technology and making a run at it. From small local startups to offshoots of western …
Fierce opponent of Kosovo’s Independence, Mariano Rajoy, ousted as Spain's prime minister
Mariano Rajoy, has been ousted as prime minister of Spain in a vote of no confidence called after several former members of his ruling party were convicted of corruption in a case that proved a scandal too far. Rajoy is known in Kosovo for his stance against Kosovo’s Independence. Original …
As the new year gets off to a cold start in the region, our selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories takes a look at the high expectations and sobering realities of what 2026 holds in store. Original post Here
Critics warn of deepening inequality, impunity and potential money-laundering exposure. Tirana Times, January 16,2025 – Albania’s newly adopted “fiscal peace” package framed by the government as a reset of relations between businesses and the tax authorities, has sparked sharp criticism from economists, business associations, the opposition and international observers. Although …
Opinion articles under the pseudonym ‘Endri Kajsiu’ have for years promoted pro-government narratives in the Albanian media – leading some to wonder if the author could even be the prime minister. Original post Here
Tirana Times, January 15, 2026 – Albania’s banking sector enters 2026 with growing caution, as banks operating in the country anticipate an increase in non performing loans despite strong demand for credit. According to the latest CESEE Banking Lending Survey conducted by the European Investment Bank for the second half …
After the US paused visa processing for 75 countries, including Albania, the opposition in Tirana has accused the government of getting the country put on Trump’s “blacklist”. Original post Here
Saudi Arabia welcomes Washington’s decision and reaffirms joint stance against extremism Tirana Times, January, 14, 2026 – The United States has officially designated branches of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, Jordan and Lebanon as terrorist organizations, marking a major shift in Washington’s approach toward political Islamist movements. The announcement immediately drew …
Albania included among weak or failing states despite being a NATO member Tirana, Tirana Times, 14 January 2026 – Washington’s decision to suspend U.S. visa processing for Albania, effective January 21 and for an indefinite period, marks one of the strongest diplomatic signals sent to Tirana in years. Albania has …
In the Western Balkans, “security” is rarely an abstract concept. It is encountered as a lived condition, shaped by memory, geography and a persistent awareness that stability can erode when trust is thin. Security, in this context, is not discussed only in strategic documents or institutional language, but reasoned through …
Albania’s government is poised to waive business tax debts more than a decade old, as part of what it says is a reset in relations between the tax authorities and businesses. Critics say it is unfair on those who have played by the rules. Original post Here
Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here