EU gives Kosovo four months to establish Association of Serb Municipalities
The European Union made it clear to Kosovo institutions that they have only four months to establish the Association of Serb-majority Municipalities. Their reaction came after Blerim Shala, political advisor to President Hashim Thaci, said that there will be no establishment of Association without signing final agreement with Serbia. Also …
Car of ex-Kosovo Police member set on fire in Zubin Potok
A BMW vehicle was set on fire in northern municipality of Zubin Potok last night, Kosovo police says. Original post Here
Germany wants EULEX mission in Kosovo extended
The government of Germany wants the EU Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo – EULEX be extended for two more years, but its duties be streamlined. Kosovo leaders would like the mission to leave the country in June when current mandate of the mission expires. Original post Here
Kosovo President Thaci wants political consensus on the dialogue with Serbia
Kosovo President Hashim Thaci asked the support of political parties for continuation of the dialogue with Serbia. The Government approved last week a platform which gives head of state a leading role in political dialogue with Belgrade. Original post Here
Kosovo parties gather to discuss early election
Kosovo political representatives gathered on Wednesday in Pristina to discuss political crisis and early election. The political leaders agreed to meet today at the invitation of the biggest opposition party, LDK, who are saying that current Government has lost majority in Parliament and has no legitimacy to take important decisions. …
Kosovo: New Interior Minister takes office
Minister of Internal Affairs of Kosovo Bejtush Gashi has received today Head of the EU Office in Kosovo, Nataliya Apostolova. This was one of his first official meetings after being appointed Interior Minister last week. Original post Here
Rama: Albania deserves negotiations
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama says the recommendation of the European Commission for opening Albania’s accession negotiations should not be read as an opening of the negotiations. Original post Here
Tough fight to preserve Kosovo, says Serbian President Vucic
President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vucic, said that Serbia is facing a difficult fight to preserve the independence of the country. Original post Here
EULEX to keep only Special Police in Kosovo after 15 June
The EU Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo is expected to end its mission in Kosovo on 15 June. However the EU will continue its presence by leaving a special police unit in Kosovo for an indefinite period of time. Original post Here
EU Minister optimistic Kosovo will get visa liberalisation this year
Minister of European Integration, Dhurata Hoxha, said Kosovo remains fully committed to its EU integration path by implementing the set criteria. Original post Here
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 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
Balkan countries are continuing to sacrifice their remaining clean river stretches to development and pollution, a new assessment warns. Original post Here
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
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 …
While Albania’s Edi Rama welcomed an invitation to join Donald Trump’s proposed Board of Peace, Croatia, Slovenia, Romania and Greece merely confirmed that they had received invitations. Original post Here
When the “Choo Choo” Train Never Came It begins with a scene that now feels almost surreal. In 2022, during a staged media event in Tirana, Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku enthusiastically explained to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen that the Tirana–Durrës–Rinas railway would be completed by 2024. …
Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here
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 …
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