Energy Infrastructure: Albania’s Kamza gets a new power substation as the Infrastructure and Energy minister says a €13m upgrade will modernize the network and boost capacity, supported by Albanian and German cooperation including €30m for digitalization and rehabilitation of 12 other substations. Social Policy & Demand: The government approved a 2.7% pension indexation from July 1 for 900,000+ beneficiaries to protect purchasing power amid inflation pressures. Banking Modernization: Jet Bank officially launches as Albania’s first fully digital bank, built on Backbase’s AI-native banking platform, after receiving its licence in March 2026. FDI & Real Economy: Foreign investment hit €404m in Q1, with real estate taking €172m (over 40%), while energy and manufacturing remain smaller shares—highlighting the need to attract more production-focused capital. Agriculture Output: Albania’s 2025 vegetable production rose 1.5% to about 1.4m tons, with greenhouse vegetables down slightly, while fruit fell 12.8% to 253,400 tons. EU & Governance Pressure: An opposition MP warns weak institutions and corruption make Albania and the Western Balkans easier targets for foreign influence, calling for tighter rules in energy, ports, telecoms and strategic ownership. Regional Trade: Albania and Kosovo agree to help farmers and food producers reach wider foreign markets via tech, digital services, joint promotion and support at international fairs. Protests & Property Risk: The “Flamingo Revolution” continues over the Kushner-linked Zvërnec coastal resort, with Rama saying negotiations are ongoing and no permits are issued, while protesters keep pushing for political change.