Croatian President and Govt Wrangle over Israel Arms Sales
As Defence Minister talks defence sector collaboration with Israel, President Milanovic reminds government that last year he ordered an end to all cooperation with the Israeli army, citing its ‘unacceptable behaviour’. Original post Here
Growing Pains: Albania’s Farmers Find Pathway to EU Markets Hard to Follow
Albania’s huge agricultural sector is seeking to expand into European markets to flourish – but issues over old-fashioned methods, low productivity, banned pesticides and corruption stand in the way. Original post Here
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: February 23, 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
Share Your Experience: Overtourism from Spain to Turkey and the Balkans
Are you living in a hotspot destination? Struggling with rising rent in a popular neighbourhood or frustrated by the disruption caused by tourists? Tell us your story. Original post Here
Opposition protests mark renewed political tensions in Albania
Protest against the government on the anniversary of the fall of dictator Enver Hoxha’s statue Tirana Times, February 21, 2026 – The national opposition protest held in Tirana on 20 February 2026 marked a new and more volatile phase in Albania’s political confrontation, as long-standing institutional disputes spilled decisively into …
Albania to Contribute Troops to Gaza
PM Rama urges Trump to act on The Hague court and Kosovo leaders. Tirana Times, February 20 2026 – Albania has confirmed it will contribute troops and police personnel to the international stabilization mission in Gaza under the newly created Peace Board, an initiative announced by U.S. President Donald Trump …
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 …
Albania is among four countries for which the European Union plans to hold intergovernmental conferences, in a development that Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos described as evidence that the European integration process is moving forward. In her statement from Brussels, Kos mentioned Albania, Montenegro, Moldova and Ukraine, stressing that countries making …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha welcomed his Israeli counterpart, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, on an official visit to Tirana on Monday morning. The meeting focused on further strengthening bilateral relations between Albania and Israel, as well as exchanging views on regional and global security challenges, including Albania’s …
Albanian children’s author Rovena Rrozhani has released “Kuq e Zi,” a new book that introduces young readers to Albania’s Independence, the Albanian language and the role of Albanian-language schools in preserving national identity. The book pays tribute to Ismail Qemali and the patriots who fought for Albania’s independence. It also …
“Muji and Halili,” one of the best-known tales of Albanian epic folklore, will soon reach the big screen in a film directed by Turjan Hysko. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja shared footage from the film on social media, highlighting its retelling of a legendary story passed down …
Albanian Justice Minister Toni Gogu met his Turkish counterpart, Akın Gurlek, and Georgia’s Justice Minister, Paata Salia, during the International Justice Summit in Istanbul. The meetings covered judicial cooperation and ways to deepen institutional partnerships. Meanwhile, Gogu highlighted the importance of friendly and constructive relations in strengthening cooperation between the …
Himara continues to attract visitors in autumn with its coastal scenery, historic landmarks and spectacular sunsets over the Ionian Sea. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja shared footage from Himara Castle, where visitors stop to admire the coastline and enjoy the peaceful autumn atmosphere. He encouraged people to …
European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said amendments to the law governing the Kosovo Specialist Chambers violate Kosovo’s fundamental obligations towards the European Union (EU). She called the changes unacceptable on October 12 in Luxembourg. Kos criticised lawmakers for changing legal rules while judicial proceedings remain underway. She warned that …
Albania will experience cloudy weather with sunny intervals this morning and light rain in the afternoon. Temperatures will reach 24 degrees Celsius. The Military Meteorological Service said unstable atmospheric conditions would affect the country on Monday. Skies will remain partly to heavily cloudy, with clearer periods mainly during the first …
British travel outlet Wales Online has recommended Albania as a European holiday destination, highlighting its beaches, natural landscapes and relative lack of crowds. Journalist Amy Jones reports on travel expert Rory King’s recommendation, based on his experience visiting around 80 countries. King described Albania as “absolutely beautiful” and highlighted its …
Albania’s Council of Ministers has approved new rules governing the distribution of electronic identity cards to citizens. The decision amends the existing framework for Albanian citizens’ biometric identity documents. The changes establish procedures for collecting cards, including at application offices in Albania and abroad. The responsible company may also designate …