Jobs & skills: Unemployment fell to 8.4% in Q1 2026 as employers listed 5,600+ vacancies, with the strongest demand in tourism and services (cooks, waiters, receptionists, cleaners) concentrated in Vlora, Durrës and Sarandë. Construction slowdown: Builders’ confidence dipped in June as expectations for new orders weakened and housing price growth cooled, even as permits for about 2 million sq m were approved in the first five months. Tourism reform push: The government is seeking a USD 200m World Bank loan to speed tourism-led growth, including opening the tourism services market, EU-aligned food controls, a border “single window,” waste management upgrades, and better access to finance for businesses and farmers. Energy transition: Solar now supplies 10%+ of Albania’s electricity; the country has 650 MW of solar capacity and is reviewing more solar and wind, while urging faster EU funding for Western Balkans power links. Corruption & waste: SPAK has sent the Tirana incinerator/landfill concession case to trial, indicting 14 people and two companies over a €128.2m contract and alleged diversion of project funds. Illegal construction crackdown: Sarandë prosecutors expanded an illegal construction probe with new precautionary measures, including suspension and house arrest for officials. Protests over Kushner-linked resort: Violent clashes outside parliament continued as police used tear gas, pepper spray and water cannon; demonstrators also escalated demands for PM Rama’s resignation.