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Albania Joins the Peace Board

Tirana Times, January 25, 2026 – Albania has joined the Peace Board, a newly established international mechanism initiated by U.S. President Donald Trump, aimed at overseeing peace agreements and post-conflict stabilization efforts, with an initial focus on the Gaza Strip. The Peace Board was formally launched during the World Economic …

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Opposition Protests as Corruption Case Deepens Political Crisis

The crisis deepens as the government shields Deputy PM Balluku and a criminal network emerges in AKSHI Tirana Times, January 25, 2026 – Albania’s main opposition party returned to the streets on Saturday with a second national protest against Prime Minister Edi Rama, challenging the legitimacy of his fourth term …

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Environmentalists Urge Suspension of Kushner Island Resort Project in Albania

Forty-one environmental organisations from 28 countries have called for a halt to the planned development by Jared Kushner of Albania’s Sazan island as a luxury resort, saying it threatens the valuable biodiversity of the area. Original post Here

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Kosovo, Bulgaria, Turkey Join Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’

Kosovo, Bulgaria and Turkey have signed the Board of Peace Charter, under Donald Trump’s auspices, but several other Balkan countries are still pondering whether to join the initiative. Original post Here

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‘Worrying’ Loss of Pristine Rivers in Balkans Highlighted by Study

Balkan countries are continuing to sacrifice their remaining clean river stretches to development and pollution, a new assessment warns. Original post Here

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‘Balkan Nostradamus’: Baba Vanga’s Visions Still Flood Albania’s Media Landscape

The Bulgarian mystic’s doomy predictions continue to grab headlines in Albania and elsewhere – even though many seem fabricated and sometimes appear to serve Russian geopolitical narratives. Original post Here

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King Salman Center Launches Fourth Cycle of International Disability Research Prize

Tirana, 21.01.2026 – Research on disability has increasingly moved into the centre of international scientific and policy discussions, reflecting broader debates about inclusion, quality of life and access to public space. Against this wider backdrop, the King Salman Center for Disability Research (KSCDR) has opened nominations for the 4th cycle of …

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Albania to Join Trump Peace Board, Other Balkan Countries Silent

While Albania’s Edi Rama welcomed an invitation to join Donald Trump’s proposed Board of Peace, Croatia, Slovenia, Romania and Greece merely confirmed that they had received invitations. Original post Here

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Brussels Freezes Albania’s Digital Funds?

When the “Choo Choo” Train Never Came It begins with a scene that now feels almost surreal. In 2022, during a staged media event in Tirana, Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku enthusiastically explained to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen that the Tirana–Durrës–Rinas railway would be completed by 2024. …

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Monday Briefing from the Balkans: January 19, 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

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Second Albanian Worker Dies Following Explosion at Greek Refinery, Four Arrested

A second Albanian worker who was seriously injured in an explosion at a refinery in Greece a few days ago has died. The 50-year-old victim, Dorian Hysa, sustained severe injuries and did not survive. The incident also claimed the life of 43-year-old Robert Cakaj. Police have launched an investigation into …

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134th Day of Protests: Citizens Gather Outside the Prime Minister’s Office

Citizens and activists took to the streets again this Sunday as the ongoing protests entered their 134th day. As on previous afternoons, protesters gathered in Skanderbeg Square, chanting slogans such as “Your time is up,” “A new Albania,” “Rama resign,” and “Rama in prison, Berisha in prison.” After gathering in …

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Socialist Party Parliamentary Group to Hold Extended Meeting on Wednesday, Message to MPs Revealed

The Socialist Party will hold an extended meeting of its parliamentary group and government cabinet on Wednesday. Euronews Albania journalist Eksiola Shehu has revealed details of the message sent to Socialist Party MPs. According to the message, the meeting will take place at 12:30 p.m. at the Palace of Brigades. …

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Rama: Malësia e Madhe and Përmet, from Places Without Hope to Destinations in the New Albania

Prime Minister Edi Rama has highlighted Malësia e Madhe and Përmet as examples of Albania’s transformation over the past decade, reflecting on the changing image and potential of these two areas in the latest episode of his “Flasim” podcast. According to Rama, a decade ago, both areas were perceived as …

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PM Rama Reveals His Dream After Leaving Office as Prime Minister

Prime Minister Edi Rama has revealed one of the wishes he hopes to fulfill after leaving office, admitting that he dreams of putting an end to his constant presence on social media. During the latest episode of his “Flasim” podcast, while speaking with his guests, Rama openly expressed his envy …

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Albania Condemns Houthi Attack on Saudi Arabia, Minister Hoxha Calls for Accountability

Albania has condemned the latest attack by the Houthi group against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which resulted in casualties, expressing solidarity with the Saudi people and authorities. The statement was made by Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha in a post on the social media platform X. …

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Rama Condemns Houthi Attacks on Saudi Arabia: Tehran and Sponsors of Terror Must Be Held Accountable

Prime Minister Edi Rama has condemned the Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, including the deadly attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. In a statement published on the social media platform X on Sunday, Rama expressed Albania’s solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its people, calling for …

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President Begaj in Dibër: “Oda Dibrane” Unites Albanians Across Borders

President of the Republic Bajram Begaj visited Dibër, where he attended the closing ceremony of the 32nd edition of the “Oda Dibrane” festival. During his speech, the head of state praised the festival’s role in preserving national identity and strengthening ties between Albanians at home and abroad. During his visit, …

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Saudi Arabia and the New Strategic Balance in the Middle East

The Middle East faces a historic choice: to remain trapped in rivalries that define security through the weakening of adversaries, or to build a regional order based on sovereignty, cooperation and diplomacy. By Dr. Arben Ramkaj Tirana Times, October 09, 2026 – The greatest danger facing the Middle East today …

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Europe Needs Proof, Not Promises

By Enrico Letta  Delivery as the defining challenge Thank you. I am genuinely pleased to be here, and I will tell you why I rearranged my agenda to make it. When I saw the title of this event — “Proof, Not Promises”, I understood immediately that this is the title …

News

Second Albanian Worker Dies Following Explosion at Greek Refinery, Four Arrested

A second Albanian worker who was seriously injured in an explosion at a refinery in Greece a few days ago has died. The 50-year-old victim, Dorian Hysa, sustained severe injuries and did not survive. The incident also claimed the life of 43-year-old Robert Cakaj. Police have launched an investigation into …

News

134th Day of Protests: Citizens Gather Outside the Prime Minister’s Office

Citizens and activists took to the streets again this Sunday as the ongoing protests entered their 134th day. As on previous afternoons, protesters gathered in Skanderbeg Square, chanting slogans such as “Your time is up,” “A new Albania,” “Rama resign,” and “Rama in prison, Berisha in prison.” After gathering in …

News

Socialist Party Parliamentary Group to Hold Extended Meeting on Wednesday, Message to MPs Revealed

The Socialist Party will hold an extended meeting of its parliamentary group and government cabinet on Wednesday. Euronews Albania journalist Eksiola Shehu has revealed details of the message sent to Socialist Party MPs. According to the message, the meeting will take place at 12:30 p.m. at the Palace of Brigades. …

News

Rama: Malësia e Madhe and Përmet, from Places Without Hope to Destinations in the New Albania

Prime Minister Edi Rama has highlighted Malësia e Madhe and Përmet as examples of Albania’s transformation over the past decade, reflecting on the changing image and potential of these two areas in the latest episode of his “Flasim” podcast. According to Rama, a decade ago, both areas were perceived as …

News

PM Rama Reveals His Dream After Leaving Office as Prime Minister

Prime Minister Edi Rama has revealed one of the wishes he hopes to fulfill after leaving office, admitting that he dreams of putting an end to his constant presence on social media. During the latest episode of his “Flasim” podcast, while speaking with his guests, Rama openly expressed his envy …

News

Albania Condemns Houthi Attack on Saudi Arabia, Minister Hoxha Calls for Accountability

Albania has condemned the latest attack by the Houthi group against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which resulted in casualties, expressing solidarity with the Saudi people and authorities. The statement was made by Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha in a post on the social media platform X. …

News

Rama Condemns Houthi Attacks on Saudi Arabia: Tehran and Sponsors of Terror Must Be Held Accountable

Prime Minister Edi Rama has condemned the Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, including the deadly attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. In a statement published on the social media platform X on Sunday, Rama expressed Albania’s solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its people, calling for …

News

President Begaj in Dibër: “Oda Dibrane” Unites Albanians Across Borders

President of the Republic Bajram Begaj visited Dibër, where he attended the closing ceremony of the 32nd edition of the “Oda Dibrane” festival. During his speech, the head of state praised the festival’s role in preserving national identity and strengthening ties between Albanians at home and abroad. During his visit, …

News

Saudi Arabia and the New Strategic Balance in the Middle East

The Middle East faces a historic choice: to remain trapped in rivalries that define security through the weakening of adversaries, or to build a regional order based on sovereignty, cooperation and diplomacy. By Dr. Arben Ramkaj Tirana Times, October 09, 2026 – The greatest danger facing the Middle East today …

News

Europe Needs Proof, Not Promises

By Enrico Letta  Delivery as the defining challenge Thank you. I am genuinely pleased to be here, and I will tell you why I rearranged my agenda to make it. When I saw the title of this event — “Proof, Not Promises”, I understood immediately that this is the title …