Port-to-Port: How Albanians Conquered the European Cocaine Market
BIRN reporters trace the rise of Albanian crime gangs to the top of the European cocaine trafficking ladder, from remote parts of Paraguay to European Union ports. Original post Here
Albania in 2026: Battles With Anti-Graft Prosecutors Risk Slowing EU Progress
Political polarisation and government pressure on the judiciary – sparked by investigations of top politicians – could hinder Albania’s rapid progress towards European Union membership. Original post Here
Heavy Rains Cause Evacuations and Discontent in Albania
Dramatic situation reported in several towns, while some locals complain of being abandoned. Original post Here
Albania Under Water: A Return to a Hobbesian State of Nature
TIRANA TIMES, December 6, 2025 – Albania is once again under water. Torrential rains over the past days have triggered massive flooding across almost the entire country, exposing not only the fragility of urban infrastructure but, more fundamentally, the long-term failure of governance. From the northern plains to the southern …
Europe Tightens the Fight Against Corruption, Albania at a Crossroad
By Zef Preçi, Executive Director of ACER As Albania presents itself as closer than ever to the European Union, a troubling contradiction has emerged in its domestic legal and political debate. While the EU is moving decisively toward tougher and more harmonized criminal rules against corruption, Albania is simultaneously discussing …
Housing Boom Prices Out Albanians
Allegations of money laundering in construction and claims of informal power networks, including the case of Ergys Agasi, fuel concerns over a distorted housing market Tirana Times, TIRANA, 05 January 2026 – For many middle income families in Tirana, buying an apartment has shifted from a realistic life goal to …
In Albania, Women Often Quit Local Councils to Make Way for Men
Democracy and the rights of women are being undermined in Albania by the practice of filling electoral candidate lists with women, only to have them resign en masse once the results are in and cede their seats to men. Original post Here
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: January 5, 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
Balkan States Give Divided Reactions to US Strike on Venezuela
Albania and Kosovo applauded the Trump administration’s military operation against Venezuela’s regime and the ousting of Nicolas Maduro, while other states in the region initially remained silent or called for calm and restraint. Original post Here
Roaming Like at Home and the Western Balkans
By Genc Pollo Tirana, 02 January 2026 – Today’s decision by the European Union to grant “roaming like at home” to Ukraine and Moldova deserves praise. It is a practical citizen-centered step that immediately lowers costs improves connectivity and makes Europe tangible in everyday life. Yet the non inclusion of …
Prime Minister Edi Rama began a several-day visit to the United States as part of Albania’s participation in the United Nations General Assembly. Rama will begin his visit this afternoon in Michigan, where he will meet with members of the Albanian community. He also invited members of the community to …
Environment Minister Sofjan Jaupaj signed today a technical cooperation agreement between the Ministry of Environment and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The agreement will strengthen cooperation between Albania and IUCN. It will also bring IUCN’s technical expertise into Albania’s European Union integration process, particularly the work under …
Tirana is hosting a major security meeting with experts from the United States and Europe. The event brings together senior officials to discuss organized crime, terrorism and new security threats. From September 19 to 23, Tirana hosts the 42nd European Chapter Meeting of the FBI National Academy Associates (FBINAA). The …
Daily protests in Tirana, known as the “Flamingo Revolution,” and their confrontation with Prime Minister Edi Rama have drawn attention from German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. According to the newspaper, the protests have continued for more than 100 days but have not turned into a mass uprising. Meanwhile, Prime Minister …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha shared on X a video message from Prime Minister Edi Rama about Albania’s commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Hoxha said the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly is underway. He added that the General Debate will begin …
Opportunities to develop agritourism in rural areas are increasingly encouraging people to return to their hometowns and invest in inherited properties. Prime Minister Edi Rama presented three such success stories today on his “Flasim” podcast. The stories show how returning home, including after years abroad, can create successful businesses. Entela …
Albanian patriot and activist of the National Renaissance Çerçiz Topulli was born in Gjirokastra on September 20, 1880. The family environment in which he grew up, particularly the example of his older brother, Bajo Topulli, played an important role in shaping his patriotic ideals. In 1907, Çerçiz Topulli took command …
Prime Minister Albin Kurti said the Government of Kosovo remains committed to supporting efforts to challenge the verdict issued by the Kosovo Specialist Chambers against former Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) leaders. Speaking during his visit to the United States, Kurti said the government would use all available means to support …
Egnatia defeated Partizani 2-1 in the fifth week of Albania’s Kategoria Superiore, returning to winning ways after last week’s loss to Elbasani. The Albanian champions took the lead in the 31st minute. Loukili found the net to make it 1-0. Egnatia continued to control the game and doubled its lead …
Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu shared images today of the festive atmosphere in Korça, where the “Serenights” festival has brought music and culture to the streets of the Old Bazaar. “A weekend in the Korça of serenades,” Koçiu wrote on social media as she shared footage from the event. The …