Defence Industry Boost: Albania signed a cooperation memorandum with Italy’s Fincantieri to revive naval production at Pashaliman, aiming to start vessel building in 2027 and reach around 10 ships by 2030, with vocational training for students from the “Pavarësia” Industrial School and a projected ~500 jobs in Vlora. Textiles & Manufacturing: Italian yarn producer MIC launched an innovative Exté Silk yarn and reported growth, including a 10% revenue rise in Q1, while highlighting its Albania-linked operations and partnerships. Construction Safety: Albania’s first European-standard style inspections found about 20% of checked construction sites failing basic safety rules, with fines and work stoppages for non-compliance. Food Trade Compliance: Malta destroyed an Albania-origin food consignment after it failed safety checks over temperature control, labeling, and missing traceability documents. Energy & Connectivity: The Three Seas Initiative marked its 10th anniversary in Dubrovnik, pushing for stronger energy, transport and digital links, plus a plan for more capital mobilization and expansion toward the Western Balkans. Protests & Property Risk: Tirana’s “Flamingo Revolution” protests against the Kushner-linked coastal resort project entered a new stretch, with demonstrators demanding cancellations, governance changes, and investigations into land deals. Macroeconomy: Albania’s economy grew 3.71% in Q1 2026, with construction and real estate up, while industry fell due to weaker mining and textile output. Heat & Disruption: A severe heatwave hit the Balkans, with wildfires reported in Albania and authorities warning of dangerous conditions.