Albania Aligns With U.S. and Israel on Iran
Albania also voices solidarity with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf partners after Iran’s missile attacks. Tirana Times, March 1, 2026 – Albania threw its support behind U.S. strikes on Iran in the opening hours of the latest Middle East escalation, with Prime Minister Edi Rama declaring that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary …
Albania Backs U.S. Strikes on Iran
Kosovo and North Macedonia join support for Washington. Tirana Times, February 28, 2026 – Albania threw its support behind U.S. strikes on Iran on Friday, with Prime Minister Edi Rama declaring that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps should be officially designated a terrorist organization and saying Tirana would move to …
Albanian Prime Minister Under Pressure Dismisses Deputy Accused of Corruption
After months of defending his deputy and Minister of Infrastructure, Belinda Balluku, who faces allegations of manipulating public tenders, Edi Rama finally dismissed her on Thursday night. Original post Here
Week in Review: Trades and Betrayals
From European Union accession hopes to ongoing corruption investigations, our selection of Premium stories this week takes a look at the political wheeling and dealing going on behind the scenes in the region. Original post Here
PM Rama’s Big Shake-Up as SPAK Closes In
Tirana Times, February 26, 2026 – Prime Minister Edi Rama carried out one of the deepest cabinet reshuffles of his fourth term, replacing officials across several of the most powerful ministries in a move that comes as his government faces rising scrutiny, swelling scandal pressure and an intensifying anti-corruption push …
Letter from Washington: Buying Friends and Finding Common Foes
As Milorad Dodik comes in from the cold, Albanians impress on Trump that they have an enemy in common. Original post Here
Strategic-Sector Governance Under Strain:The Bankers Petroleum Case and China-Linked Risk Exposure in Albania
Tirana Times, February 25 2026 – Domestic governance gaps are the primary entry points through which foreign actors can generate corrosive outcomes in strategic sectors. The Bankers Petroleum illustrates how this happens: when fiscal terms are unclear, cost verification is weak and enforcement is irregular, revenue disputes can last for …
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
Kosovo faces Turkey tonight at 20:45 at Prishtina’s “Fadil Vokrri” Stadium. The match is part of the 2026 World Cup play-offs, hosted by the USA, Mexico, and Canada. President Bajram Begaj wished the Kosovo team success. “Heart in Prishtina. Go, Kosovo!” Begaj wrote on social media. The match is seen …
Prime Minister Edi Rama, also Socialist Party leader, announced the creation of a state oil company. He said it will transform the hydrocarbon market and protect consumers. At the Socialist Party Assembly in Unit 7, Rama addressed rising fuel prices due to the Middle East conflict. He explained that removing …
Prime Minister Edi Rama, also Socialist Party leader, said today that Albania fights corruption more than ever. He credited government reforms that make systems less vulnerable to corruption. At the Socialist Party Assembly in Unit 7, Rama highlighted that Albania leads the region in public procurement quality. Ministries and agencies …
Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha said Albania faces no blockage in its EU accession process. He stressed that the country has advanced in closing chapters, but member states make the final decisions. “Reforms are our key to joining the European family,” Hoxha told Top Channel. He rejected claims of any obstacles …
Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj attended the presentation of a report on Albanian businesses’ readiness for the EU single market. She called it the starting point for a new support program for the private sector. The program will guide businesses over the next four years. It will help them …
Albania participated in the 2026 OECD Global Forum on Anti-Corruption and Integrity in Paris, the Public Administration Department (DAP) announced. Marcela Kërëku, Director of Integrity, Oversight, and Administrative and Judicial Complaints at DAP, represented the country. She highlighted integrity as a key factor for competitiveness and development. During the session …
Prime Minister Edi Rama, also Socialist Party (PS) leader, said PS will succeed in the next local elections. At the PS Assembly in Unit 7, Rama said, “We start preparing for elections long before others. When others watch us, we focus on ourselves.” He added the party balances election planning …
Prime Minister Edi Rama, also Socialist Party leader, said Albania’s EU negotiation process is on track. At the PS Assembly in Unit 7, Rama rejected media claims of a stalled integration. “These reports are 100% false,” he said. He added, “We follow an agreed calendar with the EU. The European …
Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport describes Kosovo as a Balkan fairy tale, a mix of roots, departures, returns, and children scattered across Europe. Kosovo dreams of its first World Cup, and today, that goal in America no longer seems distant. The dramatic 4-3 victory over Slovakia, which boosted the team’s …
Speaker of Parliament Niko Peleshi met today with co-rapporteurs of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, Ionut-Marian Stroe and Pavel Jablonski, to discuss Albania’s reform progress and democratic standards. During the meeting, Peleshi highlighted that since exiting the monitoring system in April 2024, Albania has made significant advances …