Has the United States’ foreign policy failed in the Western Balkans?
Agim Nesho The establishment of Serbia’s new government and the emergence of ultra-nationalist pro-Russian figures like Vulin deal a heavy blow to Western policy and its strategy to bring Serbia closer to the EU. Despite Ambassador Hill’s assertion that “Serbia is closer to NATO than Kosovo,” Vucic’s nationalists responded with …
New support package for investments in Alps
Prime Minister Edi Rama has shared images from the works in Shkodër, where the focus remains on tourism. Rama emphasizes that step by step work is being done for a healthier economy, while also wishing May 1, the International Workers’ Day. “GOOD MORNING and from Shkodra, where working people are …
Protest in front of the City hall/ Three arrested, several others are being sought
Three people have been criminally prosecuted after the protest held in front of the Tirana Municipality. Three others have also been announced as wanted. The procedure has started for the citizen, Klodjan Korriku, Selaudin Gordani and Arben Qordja. “The Local Directorate of the Tirana Police, in relation to the violent …
SPAK arrested 3 people for drug trafficking
Three people were arrested by order of SPAK, as part of the “Flame at Sea” operation. This operation was carried out on 15.08.2023, where an attempt was made to traffic a significant amount of narcotics by sea. Alket Deda, Xenofon Bodo, Selami Lushkaj have been imprisoned. The security measures against …
Tourism/ Rama: Albania in a new stage of success
Prime Minister Edi Rama from Elbasan, where he inspected the Ferrochrome industry of AlbChrome in the city of Elbasan, stated that the employee is important to be motivated and also respected. Rama emphasized the importance of working conditions, while he said that the country is now in a new stage …
Security Commission, Balla: Every apartment in Albania will have a unique code
Interior Minister Taulant Balla spoke about the law on addresses at the meeting of the Parliamentary Security Committee. Balla emphasized that it is very important that the national address register be updated regularly. “Each apartment in Albania will have a unique code. We also worked with by laws. Good laws …
Tirana mayor summoned by special prosecutors in corruption probe
TIRANA, Apr. 30, 2024 – Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj was summoned on Tuesday to the office of Albania’s Special Prosecutors for Organized Crime and Corruption (SPAK) as part of its investigation into corruption related to the construction of the Tirana waste incinerator. The move marks the first time Mr. Veliaj …
Bank of Albania moves to apply for SEPA membership
Albanian businesses and individuals have for years complained that bank transfers — both domestic and international — are costly and slow. SEPA membership would help solve the problem. TIRANA, Apr. 30, 2024 – Albania has started procedures to join the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) — a move experts say …
Mayor of Tirana Municipality, Erion Veliaj arrives at SPAK
The Mayor of Tirana Erjon Veliaj has arrived at SPAK premises. He did not give a statement to the media, however, a few days ago he warned that he would submit to the Prosecutor’s Office the files on all matters, including the incinerator and the ‘5D’ one. Regarding the latter, …
Police offers 30.000 Euro for information on perpetrator that put explosive at judge’s house
Shkodra police asked Tuesday the citizens’ help to identify the perpetrator who put explosive on the judge’s house, Tonin Sterkaj, In a press statement, this police informed that a special group is investigating over this case in collaboration with the prosecution, but this institution promises 30.000 euro reward for anyone …
TIRANA, August 31 – Albania plans to provide more than 5,700 learning packages for children in the diaspora during the 2026–2027 school year. The packages contain around 17,000 textbooks. They will reach 15 European countries, the United States and Canada. The materials include the joint textbooks “Albanian Language” and “Albanian …
TIRANA, August 31 – President Bajram Begaj received the new Dutch ambassador to Albania, Marleen Monster, on Monday. The ambassador presented her credentials during the meeting. Begaj reaffirmed Albania’s commitment to stronger relations with the Netherlands. He described the country as an important European partner and a trusted NATO ally. …
TIRANA, August 31 – Finance Minister Petrit Malaj met regional leaders of the tax and customs administrations to discuss priorities for the coming period. The talks also focused on improving services for citizens and businesses. Malaj met the general directors of the Tax Administration and Customs Administration. They discussed efforts …
TIRANA, August 31 – Acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti has called for stronger cooperation between central institutions and municipalities to address the needs of minority communities in Kosova. Kurti made the call at a meeting with heads of municipal offices for communities and return. Kurti said challenges vary among communities …
TIRANA, August 31 – The Institute of GeoSciences has warned of a high fire risk in several Albanian counties this afternoon and on Tuesday, September 1. The institute expects high risk levels in Lezha, Tirana and Fier. Other counties will face moderate risk. Some areas in Shkodra, Kukës, Dibra, Durres, …
TIRANA, August 31 – The Self-Determination Movement and the Democratic League of Kosova have agreed on professor Bekim Sejdiu as their joint candidate for president. Self-Determination leader Albin Kurti and Democratic League leader Lumir Abdixhiku presented Sejdiu at a joint news conference. Abdixhiku said the negotiations had not been easy. …
TIRANA, August 31 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said on Monday that 20 schools in Tirana now have smart cameras under the Smart City project. The investment aims to strengthen security in schools. Rama said the government decided to invest in new security technology after a 14-year-old boy was fatally …
Cash outside Albania’s banking system reached a record 5.6 billion euros, last month. Tirana Times, August 30, 2026 – The amount of cash circulating outside Albania’s banking system has reached a record high, raising fresh concerns over the scale of the informal economy, the possible presence of illicit money and …
Thousands honor the convicted Bosnian Serb commander as reactions from Belgrade to Podgorica and Skopje reveal how deeply the wars of the 1990s still shape the region’s European future. Tirana Times, August 31, 2026 – PALE, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Candles burned and flares lit the Olympic Park as several thousand …
Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here