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 …
Republic of Prosecutors or Republic of Corruption?
This content is for members only. Visit the site and log in/register to read. The post Republic of Prosecutors or Republic of Corruption? appeared first on Tirana Times. Original post Here
Albanian Ruling Party Proposes Law Granting Senior Officials Immunity
Proposed legal changes, which would protect ministers and other top officials from suspension by the courts, draw condemnation as a move to block anti-corruption investigations. Original post Here
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: February 16, 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
Albania’s AI Minister Diella Sued by Actor Over Image Use
Tirana Times, February 15, 2026 – Albania’s much publicized artificial intelligence “minister” Diella is now at the center of a legal and political controversy after actor Anila Bisha filed a lawsuit against the Albanian government, accusing state institutions of unlawfully using her image and voice. The case, filed at the Administrative …
Shielding Power from Justice
How legislative moves to protect senior officials are putting Albania’s rule of law and EU path at risk By Zef Preçi When governments begin rewriting the rules to protect themselves from the courts, the problem is no longer legal. It is political. Albania’s latest debate over judicial measures against senior …
Week in Review: Commitment, Stasis and the Epstein Effect
An unfolding scandal of global proportions combines with eventful developments in the region in our selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories this week. Original post Here
Kosovo, Albania Parliaments Adopt Resolutions Seeking Justice for Thaci
MPs in both Kosovo and Albania on Thursday adopted declarations in support of the four former guerilla KLA leaders, including Thaci, whose trial for war crimes in The Hague is coming to an end. Original post Here
Actress Sues Albanian Govt for Using Her Image for AI ‘Minister’
Actress Anila Bisha told BIRN that her image was used as the face of Albania’s AI-generated public procurements ‘minister’ without proper permission. 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 …