What triggered the February 15 Albania protests, and what unfolded?

Thousands gathered near parliament in Tirana after opposition parties amplified a corruption probe involving Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku. Clashes followed as protesters threw objects and flares, and police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds. Demonstrators demanded Prime Minister Edi Rama’s resignation and called for a parliamentary vote to lift Balluku’s immunity so prosecutors can proceed. Local media reported detentions and injuries. The government said police acted proportionately, while opposition leaders vowed to continue rallies until a vote is set and an independent inquiry advances.

How could the Albania protests affect EU accession Albania and reforms?

EU accession talks hinge on rule-of-law progress, judicial independence, and clean public procurement. Escalating protests risk slowing legal reforms if political attention shifts to street security rather than legislative work. If parliament quickly schedules an immunity vote and a credible investigation follows, Brussels may view that as a positive step. Persistent clashes or contested policing could raise concerns about governance and civil liberties, complicating chapter-by-chapter assessments and delaying investment linked to reforms and EU-backed funding programs through 2027.

What should Japan-based investors monitor as Albania protests continue?

Watch the size and frequency of Tirana protests, official announcements on a vote to lift Belinda Balluku’s immunity, and statements from EU institutions on rule-of-law benchmarks. Track any curfews, mass arrests, or restrictions that could escalate tensions. Follow headlines on infrastructure and energy tenders, as delays or cancellations signal rising political risk premia. For portfolios, review Europe-focused ETFs, EM bond funds, and counterparty clauses related to political violence and force majeure. Also monitor EURJPY volatility, which can amplify returns or losses for yen-based investors.

Which sectors face the biggest impact, and how might timelines shift?

Sectors with long permitting and financing cycles are most exposed. Transport corridors, power generation and grids, and municipal utilities could see bid deadlines slip, site access narrow, and insurance premiums increase if unrest persists. Lenders may revisit covenants or add pricing for political risk, lifting overall project costs. If protests ease and legal steps advance, timelines can normalize gradually, with backlogs cleared as ministries resume routine approvals. Japanese contractors considering regional mandates should prepare for extended procurement windows, stricter due diligence, and staged mobilization to manage cash flow under uncertain schedules.

Law and Government

Albania Protests Escalate February 15: Political Risk, EU Bid at Stake

ByHuzaifa Zahoor February 15, 2026February 15, 2026

Albania protests escalated on February 15 as thousands gathered in Tirana over a corruption probe into Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku. Police used tear gas and water cannons after clashes around parliament. The opposition is demanding Prime Minister Edi Rama’s resignation and a vote to lift Balluku’s immunity. For Japan-based investors, the risk is clear. Extended unrest could raise political risk premia, slow foreign inflows, and stall infrastructure and energy projects as EU accession Albania remains under strict scrutiny through 2027.