New EU Line-Up, But No Quick Fix for Balkan Enlargement Woes
Supporters of EU enlargement to the Balkans may take heart from Ursula von der Leyen’s proposed new line-up at the European Commission, but it will take more than a change at the top to reinvigorate the stalled accession process. Original post Here
‘Babale’ file/ Ervin Salianji declare guilty with one year in prison. MP: I’m ready to go to jail!
Court of General Appeal has given the decision to the deputy of the Democratic Party, Ervin Salianji, regarding the “Babale” file. It is known that the measure with one year of imprisonment was left in force. Immediately after the decision, the deputy spoke himself, who said that he will appeal. …
US Senate Probes Serbian, Albanian Officials’ Ties to Jared Kushner-Linked Projects
US Senate Committee says it is seeking the names of the Serbian and Albanian government officials who approached a company linked to Donald Trump’s son-in-law over property development projects. Original post Here
Vengu welcomes Britain’s special envoy for the Western Balkans
Minister of Defense Mr. Pirro Vengu received in a special meeting the special envoy of the United Kingdom in the Western Balkans, Lord Stuart Peach, who came to Albania, as part of the Joint Exercise “Austere Wolf – 24”. Minister Vengu and Lord Stuart Peach highly appreciated the interaction between …
An employee of IMT detained for abuse of duty and corruption
The police of Elbasan have detained 51-year-old Gentian Bako, an employee of IMT in this city, after he was declared wanted for corruption and abuse of office. Regarding the 51-year-old, SPAK ordered his arrest on May 29 for the criminal offenses “Passive corruption of persons exercising public functions” and “Abuse …
Even in Cases of Convicted Criminals, Albania’s Asset Seizures Aren’t Working
A sprawling seafront hotel and 18 apartments remain in the hands of relatives of convicted drug Albanian smuggler Kelmend Balili, despite previously being seized under a law designed to crack down on the proceeds of crime. Original post Here
Share Your Experience: Open Data in the Western Balkans
Have you had experiences with open data such as government statistics websites or scientific data portals? Are these platforms user-friendly or too complex to navigate? Tell us about it. Original post Here
Rama meeting with Albanians in New York: Our image in the world has changed
Prime Minister Edi Rama is in New York, where he is having a meeting with representatives of 100 associations of Albanians in America, at the invitation of the well-known Albanian activist and head of the National Diaspora Council, Mark Gjonaj. During his speech, he said that the image of Albanians …
Muslim state inside capital, Rama: Irreversible decision, but will take time
Prime Minister Edi Rama has reacted through a post on the X platform to the criticism of the idea of creating a muslim state in Tirana, saying that they have crossed the limits of fantasy and mischief. The head of the Albanian government says that the time has come for …
A police officer was drowned in Shkonder
A serious event was recorded in Shkodër, where an FNSH officer was found drowned. The 51-year-old man was found drowned in a canal in Bardhaj village, Rrethina administrative unit. The event is reported as accidental as the officer was riding a motorcycle when he lost control and fell into the …
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