Manufacturing Pushback: Albanian manufacturers are asking the government to cut taxes and import costs to stay competitive in the EU, citing higher labour costs, worker shortages and a strong lek; they want lower employer social contributions, reduced or zero duties on imported raw materials not made locally, no profit tax on reinvested earnings, faster machinery tax write-offs, and grants for automation and new tech. Energy Projects: Albania is set to move forward on three major energy investments after the government approved new Energy Community rules—expanding the Moglica hydro plant with pumped storage, building a new 400 kV Albania–Kosova interconnection, and rehabilitating 220 kV lines linking Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Albania. Trade & Industry Links: Italy remains Albania’s top trading partner (27% of total trade in the first half of 2026), taking 39% of exports and supplying over 22% of imports, reinforcing the “Made in Italy” supply-chain and customs simplification push. Digital Identity & Biometrics: Albania expanded the mandate of its state identity enterprise tied to ALBTraceCo to cover biometric and digital identity governance, as the country prepares a nationwide digital identity platform aligned with EU standards. Transport & Infrastructure: Tirana approved land for a new railway station on the New Boulevard as part of a wider government complex, aiming to modernize the capital’s rail access. Tourism & Social Media Clash: Protests against a Kushner-linked luxury resort have escalated into Meta/Instagram account blocks affecting activists, journalists and an opposition MP, with Meta saying some removals were made by mistake while the dispute continues. Public Safety: A large wildfire in Himara threatened homes and orchards, with strong winds complicating firefighting efforts. Security & Crime: Police arrested suspects after an alleged €5 million extortion and firearm threats against a hotel owner in Vlorë, with investigations and checkpoints launched across nearby counties.