Olta Xhaçka’s mandate in the Constitutional Court/ Court examines the lawsuit filed by the opposition
The lawsuit brought by the opposition for the mandate of MP Olta Xhaçka will be reviewed on Friday at the Constitutional Court. Journalist Erneta Shevroja reports that today there will be a re-examination regarding this issue. “Today, there will be a re-examination in the Constitutional Court regarding the issue of …
Fugitive Albanian Politician, Wanted for Corruption, Hires US Lobbyists
Albania’s former deputy prime minister Arben Ahmetaj has agreed to pay $150,000 to a US lobbying company in a bid to persuade the US government that charges accusing him of corruption and money-laundering are false. Original post Here
North Macedonia’s Small Towns Bear Brunt of Healthcare Gap
People in the capital Skopje have the best access to healthcare services in the country. For residents of smaller towns, the situation is significantly worse – and people living in little Krusevo have the poorest healthcare access of all. Original post Here
Trend of Albanian Women Suicides Caused by Men ‘Worrying’, Experts Say
Latest suicide of a woman who killed herself after a man published intimate photos of her on TikTok reflects a concerning trend in society, say activists and campaigners – who call for more effective preventative measures Original post Here
Albanians Aren’t Indebted to Italy for its 1990s ‘Welcome’
Edi Rama’s justification for the migrant deal with Rome – that Albanians owe Italy a historic ‘debt’ to Italy – is based on a misreading of history. Original post Here
Albanian Prosecution Seeks Jail Term for Mayor-Elect of Himara
Albania’s Special Prosecution Against Corruption and Organised Crime asked for a two-and-a-half-year prison sentence for the ethnic Greek mayor-elect of Himara, Fredi Beleri, who is on trial for alleged vote-buying. Original post Here
Repatriated Albanians Find New Routes Back to Britain
The flow of migrants from Albania to Britain has dropped dramatically since 2022, but some repatriated Albanians have found new ways to achieve their dream, one that often ends in prolonged illegality. Original post Here
Albanian Activists Condemn Govt ‘Trick’, Paving Way for Investments in Protected Areas
Edi Rama’s government is attempting to radically change the law on protected areas, paving the way for construction for ‘strategic purposes’ and skipping the public consultation process. Original post Here
Book Review – Enver Hoxha’s Long Shadow: Travels in Albania
John Watkins’ new travelogue offers an intriguing snapshot of a country still scarred by the legacy of its brutal dictator. Original post Here
Albania Legalizes Online Sports Betting, Overturning 2018 Ban
After banning sports betting in 2018, Albania’s parliament has voted to permit it once again – in online form only, and under the management of ten selected companies. Original post Here
The Italy-Albania asylum ‘offshoring’ scheme is being studied by other Western European governments wanting to look tough on migration. But the case of Hamid Badoui, who took his own life after being held at an Albanian migrant detention camp, highlights the human cost. Original post Here
Balkan LGBTQ+ people, both in the region and in the diaspora, are often told that their identities are incompatible. It’s time to hear a different story – and learn more about the region’s pioneers. 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