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
How “Diella” Was Used by the Russian Pravda Network to Spread Disinformation
By Vladimir Karaj Tirana Times, 08 February 2026 – In early December, a Croatian satirical outlet published a humorous article claiming that Albania’s AI minister had been arrested after allegedly accepting a bribe worth 14 bitcoins. The satire quickly went viral online, but it was subsequently misinterpreted as factual information …
The Kurum Case and the Collapse of Environmental Oversight in Albania
Tirana Times, 08 February 2026 – The Kurum waste file has exposed one of the most serious environmental and governance scandals in Albania in recent years, revealing not only the illegal export of hazardous waste but also the disappearance of tens of thousands of tons of industrial byproducts inside the …
Russian Propaganda in North Macedonia
by Agron Vrangalla Tirana Times, 08 February 2026 – Moscow systematically uses information manipulation as an instrument of foreign policy. In North Macedonia, Russian propaganda relies on several recurring narratives that exploit domestic political tensions and social vulnerabilities. The impact of Russian propaganda in the Western Balkans is neither new …
Deputy Prime Minister Resuspended By Court Ruling
Parliament now expected to lift immunity. Tirana Times, 08 February 2026 – The Constitutional Court’s decision to leave in force the suspension of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Belinda Balluku has reopened a deep institutional conflict in Albania, sharpening tensions between the executive, the judiciary, and Parliament, while placing …
Week in Review: Saviours, Crypto Fugitives and Unlikely Friendships
A Canadian on the run in Bosnia, an Albanian’s controversial jaunt to Israel and a Brit looking to the Balkans for possible salvation – this week’s selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories has an international flavour. Original post Here
Albanian PM’s Private Jet Trip to Israel Raises Transparency Questions
During last week’s visit to Israel, Albania’s Prime Minister used a private jet once owned by Sam Bankman Fried, now-jailed owner of crypto exchange FTX – but it’s unclear who footed the bill. Original post Here
Albania Arrests 20 for Toxic Waste-Trafficking to Thailand
The suspects are among 33 people accused of involvement in shipping a cargo of dangerous industrial waste from Albania to Thailand. Original post Here
The Kosova Assembly elected Justina Shiroka Pula as president on October 6, ending a political crisis in a 13-minute vote. The vote took place in the final hour of the constitutional deadline. The Democratic Party of Kosova (PDK) accepted Prime Minister Albin Kurti’s proposal to nominate Shiroka Pula. She secured …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has congratulated Justina Shiroka Pula on her election as president of Kosova. In a post on X, he described her election as a challenging moment for Kosova, the region and Europe. “Warm congratulations to renowned academic Justina Shiroka Pula on your election as President of the …
Albanian President Bajram Begaj has congratulated Justina Shiroka Pula on her election as president of Kosova. In a message on social media, Begaj said Albania and Kosova would stand together in facing challenges and on their path towards a European future. “Warm congratulations, Justina Shiroka Pula, on your election as …
Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja announced that the 2026 British-Ukrainian Cultural Week starts today and will run through October 12. For the first time, the two Cultural Weeks are taking place together. The joint program brings British and Ukrainian culture together. It also sends a strong message …
The music of Maurice Ravel will meet contemporary dance on the stage of the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet (TKOB) through “Unseen” and “Boléro,” two works by choreographer Andonis Foniadakis, as part of the fifth edition of the International Dance Festival of Tirana (IDFT). Minister of Tourism, Culture and …
Albania will have stable atmospheric conditions on Wednesday, according to the Military Meteorological Service. The weather will remain mostly clear, with periods of moderate and locally dense clouds. Cloud cover will be more pronounced in mountainous areas. Meanwhile, southwest to southeast winds will reach average speeds of 8 metres per …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania’s 2027 draft budget will exceed 10 billion euros. He highlighted the redistribution of more revenue from sustained economic growth. Finance Minister Petrit Malaj presented the main priorities. The government plans to double payments for children with disabilities. It will also recognise social security and …
President Bajram Begaj has decreed Law No. 98/2026 on the participation of Albania’s Armed Forces in the military operation of the International Stabilization Force in Gaza. The Assembly approved the initiative following a proposal from the Council of Ministers. The law sets the maximum number of Albanian personnel at 40. …
Albania beat San Marino 2-1 at Air Albania Stadium in the fourth match of the UEFA Nations League. The win moved Albania to the top of Group 1 in League C with nine points. Albania dominated the first half and created several chances. Kristjan Asllani opened the scoring in the …
Canadian travel media Milesopedia presents Albania as an attractive destination for travellers seeking good value for money. In an article by Marie-Eve Leclerc, the outlet highlights the Albanian Riviera, World Heritage sites, natural landscapes and local hospitality. Leclerc spent a week working remotely in Tirana before returning to explore more …