Manufacturing Push for Fiscal Relief: The Albanian Manufacturing Association has sent six priority requests for the 2027 fiscal package, asking for lower labor costs, reduced customs duties on raw materials, tax relief for reinvested profits, and grants for technology and automation as EU competition and exchange-rate swings squeeze producers. Digital Identity Expansion: Albania is expanding ALBTrace’s mandate to cover the design, operation and protection of biometric identity systems, as the country ramps up preparations for a national digital ID rollout. Housing Market Watch (Tirana): Buyers in Tirana are getting more selective as prices rise, focusing more on location, access and construction quality, with demand spreading to areas like Farka, Sauk and Kashar. Border Tech Pressure: IATA is urging the EU to keep temporary “safety valve” flexibility for biometric Entry/Exit System procedures to avoid worsening congestion while EES stabilizes. Wildfire Response: A large wildfire in Himara is threatening homes and orchards, with firefighters seeking extra support as winds drive rapid spread. Flamingo Revolution Abroad: Albanians in Lombardy kept protesting in Milan for the 16th Saturday, linking environmental concerns over a protected-area resort to broader calls for political change. EU Security Industry Signal: A Western Balkans security conference in Sarajevo said around 200 regional companies can produce NATO-standard ammunition, with Serbia and Bosnia highlighted for capacity. Croatia Timber/Logging Governance Gap: A regional report points to governance delays and loopholes fueling illegal logging, with Albania named among affected areas as EU deforestation rules approach.