America’s Warning on Drug Cartels: Why Europe’s Silence in Albania Matters
The United States has once again issued an unusually clear and public warning about the threat posed by Albanian organized crime groups and their links to Latin American drug cartels, framing the issue not only as a criminal challenge but as a direct risk to Albania’s national security and economic …
Week in Review: Hopes, Dreams and Reality Checks in 2026
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
Albania’s Fiscal Peace Sparks Concern
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 …
Albanian Mystery ‘Journalist’ Sparks Suspicion with Pro-Govt Articles
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
Albanian Banks Brace for Rising Bad Loans
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 …
Trump Visa Freeze Sparks Blame Game in Albania
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
U.S. designates Muslim Brotherhood branches as terrorist organizations
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 …
Washington suspends visas for Albania
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 …
NATO Values as Security Infrastructure: Evidence From Student Conversations
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 …
‘Fiscal Peace’: Albanian Amnesty for Tax-Dodging Businesses Branded Unfair and Opaque
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
Prime Minister Edi Rama today highlighted the benefits that the “Mountain Package” offers to individuals interested in investing in agritourism. Rama referred to the story of Entela, who decided with her family to return to Koman and establish a guesthouse. He said the “Mountain Package” was designed specifically to support …
Prime Minister Edi Rama today highlighted the benefits that the “Mountain Package” offers to individuals interested in investing in agritourism. Rama referred to the story of Entela, who decided with her family to return to Koman and establish a guesthouse. He said the “Mountain Package” was designed specifically to support …
Prime Minister Edi Rama today shared images from preparations for the international “Korça Little Paris Half Marathon 2026.” “Korça is running,” Rama wrote on social media as he shared footage from today’s race. Meanwhile, participants received race packages that included a race shirt, bag, bib number and timing chip. The …
Prime Minister Edi Rama today shared images from preparations for the international “Korça Little Paris Half Marathon 2026.” “Korça is running,” Rama wrote on social media as he shared footage from today’s race. Meanwhile, participants received race packages that included a race shirt, bag, bib number and timing chip. The …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said today that the Ministry of Environment will establish agreements with communities in tourist areas to strengthen environmental protection and improve cleaning efforts. Speaking on the podcast “Flasim,” Rama focused on environmental protection and wildfire prevention, particularly in forest areas with tourism potential. “We will test …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said today that the Ministry of Environment will establish agreements with communities in tourist areas to strengthen environmental protection and improve cleaning efforts. Speaking on the podcast “Flasim,” Rama focused on environmental protection and wildfire prevention, particularly in forest areas with tourism potential. “We will test …
The Military Meteorological Service forecasts relatively unstable weather across Albania on Monday. The day will start with clear spells. Cloud cover will gradually increase across the country. Moderate to dense clouds will develop later. Meanwhile, mostly light rain will affect most areas from midday through late afternoon. Isolated thunderstorms may …
The Military Meteorological Service forecasts relatively unstable weather across Albania on Monday. The day will start with clear spells. Cloud cover will gradually increase across the country. Moderate to dense clouds will develop later. Meanwhile, mostly light rain will affect most areas from midday through late afternoon. Isolated thunderstorms may …
The 22nd meeting of the EU-Albania Parliamentary Stabilisation and Association Committee begins in Tirana today. The two-day meeting will continue on Tuesday, September 22. The meeting will start at 10:00. Taulant Balla, head of the Assembly of Albania delegation, and European Parliament delegation head Marco Tarquinio will co-chair the meeting. …
The 22nd meeting of the EU-Albania Parliamentary Stabilisation and Association Committee begins in Tirana today. The two-day meeting will continue on Tuesday, September 22. The meeting will start at 10:00. Taulant Balla, head of the Assembly of Albania delegation, and European Parliament delegation head Marco Tarquinio will co-chair the meeting. …