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
Kosovo, Albania Parliaments Adopt Resolutions Seeking Justice for Thaci
MPs in both Kosovo and Albania on Thursday adopted declarations in support of the four former guerilla KLA leaders, including Thaci, whose trial for war crimes in The Hague is coming to an end. Original post Here
Actress Sues Albanian Govt for Using Her Image for AI ‘Minister’
Actress Anila Bisha told BIRN that her image was used as the face of Albania’s AI-generated public procurements ‘minister’ without proper permission. Original post Here
Albania’s AI Facade Cracks While Neighbors Win EU Funds
Tirana Times, February 10, 2026 – Serbia and North Macedonia have secured concrete European Union funding to integrate into Europe’s emerging artificial intelligence infrastructure, while Albania—despite high-profile political messaging around AI—has been left outside the first wave of financed projects. According to the latest map and project list published by …
Behind Albania’s Collapsing Roads: Clientelism and Corruption
Tirana Times, February 12 2026 – The rapid deterioration of newly inaugurated roads and tunnels across Albania has exposed far more than technical shortcomings. What authorities have sought to explain as weather-related damage is increasingly understood as a symptom of deeper governance failures rooted in clientelism, weak oversight, and systemic …
Solar Energy Revolution Comes at a Cost in Rural Albania
Photovoltaic parks are multiplying across Albania as the country aims for ‘energy sovereignty’ – but locals say losing agricultural land to solar panels is a blow to their livelihoods. Original post Here
Albania’s TikTok Ban Expires, But Promised Protections Still Pending
As a one-year ban ends, Albanian authorities say they are still working with TikTok on ‘relevant filters’ to better protect young users of the video-sharing app. Original post Here
Letter From Brussels: The Epstein Effect Hits Europe
In her latest monthly dispatch from Brussels, Gjeraqina Tuhina looks at the ripple-effects of the Jeffrey Epstein saga, while Serbia falls behind on the long march to EU accession. Original post Here
Opposition Takes to the Streets as Corruption Scandal Reaches the Heart of Power
Tirana Times, February 10, 2026 – Thousands of Albanians filled the streets of Tirana on Tuesday evening in a national protest called by the opposition Democratic Party, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama, the dismissal of his government, and the establishment of a technical cabinet to lead the …
Balkans Seeing ‘Serious Stagnation’ in Tackling Corruption: Transparency International
As Transparency International releases its latest corruption perception index, the watchdog’s Lidija Prokic tells BIRN that anti-graft drives have faltered across the Western Balkans – in Serbia especially. Original post Here
OSCE Presence in Albania Ambassador Michel Tarran met High Inspector of Justice Artur Metani to discuss recent developments in the judicial system and issues related to the inspector’s mandate. According to the OSCE Presence, the talks focused on the role of the High Inspector of Justice in ensuring accountability in …
The National Theatre of Opera, Ballet and Folk Ensemble announced the 10 winners of the Tish Daija Music Creativity Competition in the “Chamber Music” and “A Cappella Choir” categories. The competition marks the 100th anniversary of composer Tish Daija’s birth. With support from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sports, …
Health and Social Welfare Minister Klodiana Spahiu visited the Laç Health Centre in Kurbin. She called for stronger coordination between primary healthcare and hospital services to provide faster care closer to residents. Spahiu said better coordination between health structures would improve patient referrals. She also stressed the importance of direct …
German Cultural Week 2026 brought music, contemporary art, exhibitions, traditions and German gastronomy to Tirana from October 2 to 6. The five-day programme offered audiences in the Albanian capital opportunities to experience different aspects of German culture. The activities also created spaces for cultural exchange between the two countries. Meanwhile, …
“Wonders of Arbëria” returns to the stage of Albania’s National Theatre of Opera, Ballet and Folk Ensemble. The performance features the National Ensemble of Folk Songs and Dances in cooperation with the ‘Gurra e Kurbinit’ ensemble. Arbëria is the historical name used for Albania during the Middle Ages. The show …
Albania’s annual inflation rate rose to 2.9% in September 2026, up from 2.4% in the same month last year. Consumer prices also increased by 0.4% from August. According to Consumer Price Index data published on October 8, food and non-alcoholic beverages made the largest contribution to annual inflation. They accounted …
A new online service allows taxpayers in Albania to obtain a vehicle possession certificate through e-Albania. The government services platform is available in Albanian and English. Applicants no longer need to visit an office in person. The General Directorate of Taxation has published the steps for applying online. After completing …
Justice Minister Toni Gogu met European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection Michael McGrath to discuss justice reform and Albania’s path towards European Union membership. The talks focused on strengthening the rule of law and consolidating Albania’s justice reform. Gogu said they also discussed the …
Defence Minister Ermal Nufi met his Turkish counterpart Yaşar Guler in Ankara on Thursday to discuss stronger strategic cooperation in defence and security. They also discussed concrete projects in areas of mutual interest. Nufi said Albania and Turkey share a consolidated partnership based on strong historical and human ties and …
Albanian Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha attended a conference on Trans-European Transport Corridor VIII in Sofia, Bulgaria, organised by Bulgarian Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova. The conference followed a ministerial meeting that Albania hosted in Tirana in February. Hoxha said the Tirana meeting established a shared political vision for the corridor. He …