Albanian Banks Brace for Rising Bad Loans
Tirana Times, January 15, 2026 – Albania’s banking sector enters 2026 with growing caution, as banks operating in the country anticipate an increase in non performing loans despite strong demand for credit. According to the latest CESEE Banking Lending Survey conducted by the European Investment Bank for the second half …
Trump Visa Freeze Sparks Blame Game in Albania
After the US paused visa processing for 75 countries, including Albania, the opposition in Tirana has accused the government of getting the country put on Trump’s “blacklist”. Original post Here
U.S. designates Muslim Brotherhood branches as terrorist organizations
Saudi Arabia welcomes Washington’s decision and reaffirms joint stance against extremism Tirana Times, January, 14, 2026 – The United States has officially designated branches of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, Jordan and Lebanon as terrorist organizations, marking a major shift in Washington’s approach toward political Islamist movements. The announcement immediately drew …
Washington suspends visas for Albania
Albania included among weak or failing states despite being a NATO member Tirana, Tirana Times, 14 January 2026 – Washington’s decision to suspend U.S. visa processing for Albania, effective January 21 and for an indefinite period, marks one of the strongest diplomatic signals sent to Tirana in years. Albania has …
NATO Values as Security Infrastructure: Evidence From Student Conversations
In the Western Balkans, “security” is rarely an abstract concept. It is encountered as a lived condition, shaped by memory, geography and a persistent awareness that stability can erode when trust is thin. Security, in this context, is not discussed only in strategic documents or institutional language, but reasoned through …
‘Fiscal Peace’: Albanian Amnesty for Tax-Dodging Businesses Branded Unfair and Opaque
Albania’s government is poised to waive business tax debts more than a decade old, as part of what it says is a reset in relations between the tax authorities and businesses. Critics say it is unfair on those who have played by the rules. Original post Here
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: January 12, 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 Albanian Organized Crime Conquered Europe’s Cocaine Market
On a locked down November afternoon in 2020, as Europe grappled with Covid 19 restrictions, two Albanian men based in Belgium exchanged a handful of encrypted messages. Deciphered years later from the Sky ECC platform, their words captured a watershed moment in Europe’s cocaine trade. A shipment measured not in …
Port-to-Port: How Albanians Conquered the European Cocaine Market
BIRN reporters trace the rise of Albanian crime gangs to the top of the European cocaine trafficking ladder, from remote parts of Paraguay to European Union ports. Original post Here
Albania in 2026: Battles With Anti-Graft Prosecutors Risk Slowing EU Progress
Political polarisation and government pressure on the judiciary – sparked by investigations of top politicians – could hinder Albania’s rapid progress towards European Union membership. 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 …