Why Serbia must recognize Kosovo’s independence
David L. Phillips, director of the Program on Peace-building and Rights at Columbia University’s Institute for the Study of Human Rights in an analysis/opinion published by the US daily The Washington Post, has proposed new format of dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia. Original post Here
Cathedral shrine to Mother Teresa dedicated in Kosovo
The consecration of the Cathedral-shrine in Pristina dedicated to Saint Mother Teresa is taking place today after 10 years of construction works. The celebration is being officiated by Albanian Cardinal Ernest Simon Troshani, special Papal Envoy. Original post Here
Supreme Court confirms war crime verdict against KLA commander
The Supreme Court of Kosovo has decided to reject an appeal by the defence counsel on protection of legality in the case known as “Drenica 2”, when former Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) members were found guilty of war crimes. Original post Here
Kosovo parties sign deal to form new Government
A coalition of the PDK-AAK-Nisma (PAN) has agreed to a deal with the party Alliance New Kosova (AKR) to form a government, ending three months of political deadlock. The agreement, signed on Monday, gives the coalition, along with minorities, 63 of parliament’s 120 seats. Original post Here
Supreme Court upholds terrorism conviction of the Kosovo hard-line imam
The Supreme Court of Kosovo has on Monday upheld the conviction of Kosovo hard line imam Zeqirja Qazimi who was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment found guilty of recruiting for ISIS and inciting hatred. The Court dismissed an appeal by convicted Imam Qazimi on protection of legality. Original post Here
Pacolli confirms coalition with Haradinaj
Chairman of the Alliance New Kosova (AKR), Behgjet Pacolli, in a public letter written to members of Steering Committee and his supporters, justifying his decision to split with LDK and join the PDK-AAK-Nisma (PAN) confirmed that he reached a full accord with the PAN’s nominee for prime minister to form …
LDK and Vetevendosje to meet after Pacolli left the coalition
LDK’s candidate for prime minister, Avdullah Hoti, is expected to meet Dardan Sejdiu from Vetevendosje following the decision of Behgjet Pacolli to split the AKR from the coalition with LDK and Alternativa (LAA) coalition. Original post Here
Police ban Djuric from entering Kosovo
Director of the so-called Office for Kosovo at the Government of Serbia was banned on Monday from entering Kosovo territory. Original post Here
Pacolli is no longer in coalition with the LDK
Behgjet PAcolli, leader of the Alliance New Kosova (AKR) has confirmed that his party is no longer in coalition with the LDK and Alternativa, Gazeta Express reports. Original post Here
Future looks bright for Kosovo’s under-21 football team
Kosovo’s Under-21 Men’s football team achieved success over the weekend in the qualifiers for the U21 Euro Cup in Italy and San Marino in 2019. Original post Here
Plans by relatives of U.S. President Donald Trump to build a luxury resort in the scenic coastal area of Zvërnec have sidelined local residents and their property claims, while intersecting with a long-running court battle involving controversial real estate businessman Artur Shehu. By Vladimir Karaj Tirana Times, 02 February 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
The Murrizi Tunnel was opened to much fanfare in March last year, not long before a parliamentary election. Now the Albanian Road Authority says it has yet been certified for use. Original post Here
Tirana Times, 01 February 2026 – The release of more than three million pages of documents linked to the Jeffrey Epstein case by the United States Department of Justice has expanded the scope of one of the most disturbing scandals of the past decade far beyond the United States. The …
Expecting the unexpected seems to be the name of the game in both global politics and the domestic politics of the region, as 2026 kicks off with a few unexpected twists. Original post Here
Critics accused Edi Rama of overlooking Palestinian suffering during his recent visit to Israel. But both he and his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu, see advantages in a closer relationship. Original post Here
Tirana Times, January 29, 2026 – This Tuesday, the Elbasan County Council has formally honored the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Albania, Faisal Ghazi Al-Hafthi, in recognition of his humanitarian engagement and his contribution to strengthening bilateral relations at the local level. The ceremony, held in Elbasan, …
Albania has opened every negotiation ‘cluster’ as it races along the road to EU accession, but who should get the credit – Edi Rama’s government? Anti-graft prosecutors? Or even Vladimir Putin? Original post Here
Energy suppliers in southeastern Europe are heavily politicized and sometimes nefarious. The US can aid democratic stability through energy engagement. By David J. Kostelancik When Congress passed the Western Balkans Democracy and Prosperity Act as part of the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), it sent a clear signal: energy security in Southeastern …
New changes to the Albanian criminal code that only partially abolish defamation as an offence have been criticised by media freedom organisations, citing concerns over freedom of speech. Original post Here