Balkan Leaders Vow Solidarity with Ukraine on Anniversary of Invasion
Croatian’s premier paid a visit to Kyiv alongside other EU leaders, while most Balkan leaders voiced strong support for Ukraine’s self-defence on the fourth anniversary of Russia’s military assault. Original post Here
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
Courts across the country are struggling under a double burden: dilapidated buildings and mountains of case files, while repeated demands for adequate premises and solutions continue to fall on deaf ears. Original post Here
A safeguard clause placing new the bloc’s members under monitoring for 15 years reflects real fears of Viktor Orban-style disruptors – but it could be a gift to anti-EU nationalists as well as a deterrent to backsliders. Original post Here
Prime Minister Edi Rama met with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar in Tirana on Monday. Sa’ar praised Rama’s support for Israel’s security and his firm stance against antisemitism and terrorism. In a statement on X, Sa’ar said the two officials held an in-depth discussion on strengthening bilateral relations and the …
Supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and improving the investment climate are essential to Albania’s EU accession process, EU Ambassador to Albania Sofia Moreira de Sousa said on Monday. Moreira de Sousa met with Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj to discuss Albania’s EU integration, SME development and ways to …
Interior Minister Ervin Demo met with Michael Granoff, chairman of the board of the Albanian-American Development Foundation (AADF), on Monday to discuss expanding cooperation with central and local institutions. Demo praised the foundation’s contribution to Albania’s development, highlighting its projects in education, technology, entrepreneurship, tourism, cultural heritage and local economic …
Parliament Speaker Niko Peleshi said on Monday that cooperation between Albania and Greece remains essential for regional stability, economic growth and the Western Balkans’ European future. Addressing the Balkan Strategic Cooperation Forum in Tirana, Peleshi highlighted the partnership between the two countries, Greece’s support for Albania’s EU integration and opportunities …
Albania’s Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs presented Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and his delegation with historical and archival documents documenting Albanians’ efforts to protect and save Jews during the Holocaust. The exhibition featured official correspondence, travel documents and diplomatic records that shed light on acts of courage, solidarity …
High Court President Sokol Sadushi met with the Netherlands’ new ambassador to Albania, Marleen Monster, on Monday to discuss judicial reforms, the court’s progress and ways to strengthen institutional cooperation. Monster praised the progress made by Albania’s justice institutions and reaffirmed the Netherlands’ commitment to supporting ongoing reforms. She also …
Defense Minister Ermal Nufi visited the Professional Military Training Center in Bunavi, Vlorë, on Monday to meet young recruits, cadets, students, instructors and center officials. Accompanied by Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Arben Kingji, Nufi highlighted the center’s role in preparing the next generation …
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 …