Latest Premium Articles from Albania
New Secrets of Ancient Times Emerge in Butrint
Archeologists are unearthing an important new building in the UNESCO-protected ancient city in Albania, which could shed fresh light on the life of the Roman colony.
Albania Politicians Splash Out on US Lobbying
Albanian politicians spend huge sums annually on US lobbying, trying to impress voters with their access to policymakers - but what do they achieve and where does the money come from?
Albania’s Power Crisis Pinned on Company Errors
Irresponsible exports of electricity by the Power Corporation in 2011 played a key role in fomenting the worst energy crisis in Albania’s modern history.
Funding Reform Leaves Albanian Arts in Limbo
As the third law on arts funding in 20 years struggles to be implemented, dilemmas about the public financing of festivals and arts events seem no nearer a solution.
Socialist Sees Red Over Albania’s Centennial
While the government unveils a list of events to mark the day, one MP says they are not delivering what they promised and have deliberately sidelined the town where independent Albania was born.
Albania’s Nationalists Corner Market in Graffiti
Graffiti in most countries is part of the artistic weaponry of the rebellious, leftwing counter-culture – but not in Albania, where so far it’s mainly being used to send nationalist messages.
Albania Turned Blind Eye to Illegal Waste Imports
Data obtained by Balkan Insight show that thousands of tons of dangerous waste were imported into Albania over the past decade despite an official ban.
Albania Blast Victim Keeps Lonely Vigil
As the court case over the deadly explosion at Gerdec nears its end after years of delays, one man who has not missed a single session says he is determined to see justice triumph.
Regulation Row Freezes Investment in Albania Power
An executive from CEZ Shperndarje, Albania’s largest power utility, says disputes over a regulatory framework are blocking release of a key investment loan in the dilapidated power grid.
Privatizing Albanian Castles Worries Heritage Experts
Historians and archeologists oppose plans to let entrepreneurs turn ancient monuments into bars, cafés and motels.
Foes Reunite after Albania Corruption Scandal
A political feud with more twists than a Hollywood thriller has ended happily for the main protagonists – but ordinary Albanians feel less delighted with what they have discovered about their political bosses.
A Flourishing Albanian ‘Neighborhood’ Benefits the Balkans
US policy-makers remain wary of the concept of ethnic solidarity - but harnessing natural links between Albanian communities in the Balkans will actually reduce tensions, strengthening state structures and helping to stabilize the region.
Secret Waste Imports Alarm Albania’s Greens
Activists say Balkan Insight’s discovery that hundreds of tons of hazardous waste entered the country without any records makes a mockery of the government’s environmental pledges.
Ghost Companies Stalk Albania’s Energy Ambitions
Aspiration to become a regional electricity powerhouse by building hundreds of new power plants are running into sand amid allegations of corruption and murky bidding procedures.
Cover-Up of Protestor Deaths 'Blow to Albania’s Reputation'
Gabriel Partos, an analyst with the Economist Intelligence Unit, tells Balkan Insight that allegations of a high-level conspiracy to cover-up the murder of protestors during the January 21 riots is a further blow to Albania’s already tarnished reputation.
