Balkan Leaders Heap Praise on Trump’s Board of Peace at Ceremonial Launch
Balkan and Turkish leaders lauded the Board of Peace at its Washington launch on Thursday – while the participation of an EU Commissioner from Croatia drew criticism from some EU states about her presence. Original post Here
Rama is Turning Deputy’s Suspension Into ‘Personal Battle’ Against Albanian Judiciary
Proposed legal amendments preventing courts from suspending senior officials would be a major blow to progress on tackling corruption – and to Albania’s EU accession process, writes legal expert Gentian Serjani. Original post Here
Powerful Interests are Driving Digital Repression in Southeast Europe
Digital spaces are the new frontlines for challenging entrenched political and economic interests, but the backlash against civic groups trying to expose corruption and environmental destruction or demand official accountability can be fierce. Original post Here
Government Moves to Shield Cabinet from Prosecution as Judiciary–Executive Clash Deepens
Proposed changes to the Criminal Procedure Code following the suspension of Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku trigger opposition backlash, institutional tension, and renewed concerns over judicial independence and EU accession. Tirana Times, February 16 2026 – The Albanian government has launched an urgent legislative initiative to amend the Criminal Procedure …
Republic of Prosecutors or Republic of Corruption?
This content is for members only. Visit the site and log in/register to read. The post Republic of Prosecutors or Republic of Corruption? appeared first on Tirana Times. Original post Here
Albanian Ruling Party Proposes Law Granting Senior Officials Immunity
Proposed legal changes, which would protect ministers and other top officials from suspension by the courts, draw condemnation as a move to block anti-corruption investigations. Original post Here
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: February 16, 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
Albania’s AI Minister Diella Sued by Actor Over Image Use
Tirana Times, February 15, 2026 – Albania’s much publicized artificial intelligence “minister” Diella is now at the center of a legal and political controversy after actor Anila Bisha filed a lawsuit against the Albanian government, accusing state institutions of unlawfully using her image and voice. The case, filed at the Administrative …
Shielding Power from Justice
How legislative moves to protect senior officials are putting Albania’s rule of law and EU path at risk By Zef Preçi When governments begin rewriting the rules to protect themselves from the courts, the problem is no longer legal. It is political. Albania’s latest debate over judicial measures against senior …
Week in Review: Commitment, Stasis and the Epstein Effect
An unfolding scandal of global proportions combines with eventful developments in the region in our selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories this week. Original post Here
Members of the Parliamentary Committee on Citizens’ Initiatives, Cooperation and Institutional Oversight held a two-day working visit to Berlin. They focused on handling petitions and citizens’ initiatives, strengthening parliamentary oversight and deepening institutional cooperation. At the German Bundestag, the delegation attended a meeting of the Committee on Petitions and exchanged …
The Albanian parliamentary delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, led by Igli Hasani and including Bledar Çuçi, Damian Gjiknuri and Fatmir Mediu, attended the 109th Rose-Roth Seminar in Chisinau, Moldova, on October 6-7. The seminar, organized with Moldova’s Parliament, focused on NATO-Moldova cooperation, regional and Black Sea security, and the …
More than 200 Albanian law enforcement professionals earned certifications in 2026 after completing crime investigation training. The US Embassy in Tirana congratulated State Police crime specialists who completed the Level 1 Crime Investigation Course at the Security Academy. The US Department of Justice’s International Criminal Investigative Training Assistance Program (ICITAP) …
The Council of Ministers approved the founding act and statute of the state-owned company “Operator of State-Owned Companies” sh.a. during its meeting on Wednesday. The decision, proposed by the Minister of Economy and Innovation, also sets the company’s initial capital. The new company will start with ALL 100 million in …
Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, congratulated newly elected Kosova President Justina Shiroka-Pula. He described her election as an important moment for democracy in Kosova and evidence of the maturity of its democratic institutions. Hoxha said the development responds to the need to further strengthen institutions, consolidate …
Gryka e Vanave in Kukës is attracting visitors with its dramatic landscape and pristine nature. Surrounded by mountains, water and rugged terrain, the area offers striking views and a unique experience for tourists and nature lovers. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the area and highlighted its distinctive natural …
Albania’s Transparency and Temporary Price Limitation Board has cut the maximum retail prices for fuel. The new ceiling is ALL 210 per litre for diesel and ALL 190 per litre for petrol. Both prices fell by ALL 3. The Board also set new wholesale price limits. Diesel meeting the SSH …
The annual painting exhibition “Nëntor 29” has opened at the FAB Gallery, bringing together 32 artists. The exhibition will remain open to the public until October 13. The event creates a meeting point for different generations and artistic approaches. Through diverse styles, techniques and creative perspectives, the exhibition presents a …
State Agency for Strategic Programming and Aid Coordination (SASPAC) Director General Eridana Çano said Albania is strengthening institutional readiness for a new phase of European integration. She said the country is moving from implementing reforms towards delivering measurable results. Çano also serves as National Coordinator for the Reform and Growth …
Cruise tourism in Saranda continues into autumn, with the arrival of the Seabourn Quest carrying 446 passengers from around the world. The cruise ship arrived from Brindisi, Italy, and will leave for Zakynthos, Greece, after scheduled visits in Saranda. The Saranda Port said this was the 27th cruise ship to …