Belinda Balluku: Albanian PM’s Loyal Ally at Centre of Political Firestorm
The criminal charges facing former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku have dominated headlines in Albania for months – prompting her boss, Edi Rama, to pick a fight with the judiciary. Original post Here
Parliament Blocks Arrest Bid for Former Deputy Prime Minister Balluku
Shielding Balluku Could Cost Albania More Than a Court Case. Tirana Times, March 09, 2026 – Albania’s ruling Socialist majority moved Monday to block the arrest of former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku, in a decision expected to be ratified by parliament this week and one that is rapidly becoming …
Albanian Ruling Party Refuses to Support Lifting of Former Deputy PM’s Immunity
Ahead of a vote in parliament on Thursday, the ruling Socialists reject a prosecution request to support lifting the immunity of dismissed former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku, allowing for her arrest. Original post Here
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: March 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
Do the Balkans really want EU membership?
By Daniel Serwer Tirana Times, March 06, 2026 – While all eyes are on the Iran war, subtle but important changes are taking place with respect to the Balkans. I think the two most important are these: The Trump Administration is abandoning state-building and instead wants local people to make the basic …
Marx on the Beach
By Zef Preci Tirana Times, March 06, 2026 – Two centuries ago, Karl Marx offered a blunt description of how capitalism is sometimes born and consolidated: through what he called “primitive accumulation,” a historical process—often violent—by which people are separated from their land and productive assets, while wealth is concentrated …
Week in Review: Friends, Foes and Chocolate Thieves
From European Union accession hopes to ongoing corruption investigations, our selection of Premium stories this week takes a look at the political wheeling and dealing going on behind the scenes in the region. Original post Here
The Biblical Dog and our chances for full EU membership
by Genc Pollo Let’s start with the dog. “As a dog returns to its vomit, so fools repeat their folly,” says the Old Testament (Proverbs 26:11), offering a blunt metaphor for stupidity and the stubborn repetition of mistakes. That proverbial dog may be the right analogy for Prime Minister Edi …
Albania Must Not Mirror Serbia’s EU Rejection
By Augustin Palokaj Tirana Times, March 03 2026 – EU enlargement does not lack ideas; it lacks political will. That is why the recent joint opinion piece by Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama and Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vučić, published in the German daily Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, is troubling not so …
Share Your Experience: Child Support Payments After Divorce in the Balkans, France
Do you live in the Balkans or France, and have you been awarded child support payments after divorce? Was the process easy – and did you receive the money as the court ordered? Original post Here
The RTSH Symphony Orchestra will perform works by Albanian composers alongside international classical masterpieces on October 15 at the Ferdinand Deda Hall of Albanian Radio and Television. Maestro Eno Koço will conduct the concert, which brings together different musical styles and periods. The programme features works by Aleksandër Peçi, Johann …
Albanian Interior Minister Ervin Demo highlighted the strategic partnership between Albania and Greece at the Balkan Strategic Cooperation Forum, citing progress in trade, regional development and security. Trade between the two countries has exceeded 1 billion euros, while more than 300 Greek companies operate in Albania. Demo identified further opportunities …
Albanian Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha and Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar signed a general cooperation agreement in Tirana to strengthen ties between the two countries. The agreement establishes a framework for cooperation in the economy, security, technology, agriculture, energy, healthcare, education and tourism. Hoxha highlighted opportunities for Israeli investment in …
Assembly of Albania Speaker Niko Peleshi met Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar in Tirana to discuss bilateral relations and opportunities to expand cooperation. The meeting comes as Albania and Israel mark 35 years of diplomatic relations. Peleshi highlighted the historical ties between Albanians and Jews, including the protection of Jews …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha, speaking during a joint press statement with his Israeli counterpart, Gideon Sa’ar, said that Albania remains unwaveringly committed to peace and international dialogue. The minister also condemned Iran’s attacks, adding that they undermine peace and security in the region. Hoxha expressed gratitude …
Prime Minister Edi Rama stated during his speech that the “Price Comparison Platform” and the “Kurse” initiative are launching with 238 products across 13 categories, giving consumers the opportunity to compare prices and choose where to shop for the best deals. Rama said the “Price Comparison Platform” is a joint …
Albania and Greece maintain good neighbourly relations, which they aim to further strengthen through economic, regional, academic and security cooperation. This message was conveyed at the Balkan Strategic Forum, held in Tirana with the participation of Albanian and Greek delegations. “There are even greater opportunities to develop these forms of …
Tirana Traffic Police have stepped up checks on the ground over the past 24 hours, focusing particularly on penalising pedestrians who fail to comply with traffic regulations. As a result of these checks, 78 fines have been issued to pedestrians who crossed roads at unauthorised locations or violated traffic signs …
Albanian-American actor, screenwriter, and director Nickola Shreli has joined the cast of the fifth season of the hit television series “Tulsa King,” alongside Hollywood icon Sylvester Stallone. The news was reported this week by American film and television industry media outlets, with Shreli among the new cast members joining the …
Serbia’s Interior Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Ivica Dačić has reiterated his statements about Kosovo, claiming that the Serbian flag will once again fly in Prizren. The remarks were made during an election rally in Belgrade, where the Serbian politician also responded to criticism from former German Foreign Minister Michael …