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 …
Albania in the EU Fast Lane – Accelerating Without Democratising?
Tirana’s EU accession process is running in top gear – but worryingly, there’s no sign this is being matched with a democratic deepening at home. Original post Here
Albania 2026: Power Under Investigation
As Albania enters 2026, the country stands at a political and institutional crossroads shaped decisively by the shocks of 2025. What initially appeared to be a year of electoral routine and managed stability evolved instead into the most serious confrontation between executive power and the justice system since the launch …
Stronger ties among Western Balkan countries are essential to the region’s future in the European Union, while also strengthening security and resilience, the European Union Delegation in Tirana said today. The statement came during the 12th Tirana Forum on Regional Connectivity, organized by the Institute for Cooperation and Development. The …
The European Commission has unveiled its “Pre-Enlargement Policy Reviews”, setting out reforms to EU institutions, governance and safeguards ahead of the next enlargement wave. The review confirms that EU internal reforms and candidate countries’ progress will move forward in parallel. It also foresees a specific roadmap for Albania’s membership in …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha welcomed European Commissioner Marta Kos’ remarks on the European Union’s preparations for future enlargement. In a post on X, Hoxha said Albania is ready to continue its reforms and work closely with EU member states and the European Commission on an ambitious …
The government has reacted after the European Commission today formally presented its “Pre-Enlargement Policy Reviews”, setting out the framework for internal institutional and governance reforms, as well as safeguard mechanisms that will accompany the European Union’s next wave of enlargement. In its response, the government stressed that this strategic document …
Archbishop Joan of Tirana, Durrës and All Albania has attended the International Scientific Conference organised by the Ecumenical Patriarchate. The Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania shared details and images from the conference, noting that its theme is “The Holy and Great Council of the Orthodox Church (2016–2026): Assessments and Perspectives”. …
Numerous citizens and activists took to the streets again this Tuesday as the ongoing protest entered its 129th day. As they do every afternoon, protesters gathered in Skanderbeg Square, chanting slogans including: “Your time is up”, “A new Albania”, “Rama resign”, and “Rama in prison, Berisha in prison”. After gathering …
George Orwell’s literary classic “1984” will be staged at the Kujtim Spahivogli National Experimental Theatre in a co-production with the Shkodër’s Migjeni Theatre. Directed by Dino Mustafic and adapted for the stage by Jeton Neziraj, the production will run on October 16, 17, 18 and 22, 23, 24 and 25. …
Kosova’s acting President Albulena Haxhiu has asked the Constitutional Court to clarify who can exercise presidential powers after her six-month mandate expires if the Assembly fails to elect a new president. The Office of the President confirmed the request to Radio Free Europe on October 6, the deadline for electing …
Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi said the Tirana-Durrës-Rinas Airport (TIA) rail project forms part of a broader railway modernisation programme. He spoke during a consultation with major international companies on the Public Service Contract for passenger rail transport on the corridor. The project includes rehabilitation of the existing line. …
Deputy Finance Minister Endrit Yzeiraj said proposed changes to Albania’s banking and payment laws will further align the country’s financial framework with European Union rules. Presenting the changes to the parliamentarian Economy Committee, he said the measures support Albania’s European integration process. They also address closing benchmarks for Chapter 4 …