Energy & Industry: Oil prices jumped to about $108 a barrel, pushing pressure on Albanian fuel prices to potentially top 220 lek per liter as Middle East supply risks intensify. Ports & Security: Police at Durrës seized 41.35kg of cocaine hidden in a frozen chicken container from Brazil, worth around €2m, with investigators tracing origin and destination. Tourism Payments: Albania’s Hotel and Tourism Association says POS transaction fees are nearly 10x the regional average and is pushing to cut them toward 1% to boost card payments, alongside a proposed service-fee approach to support staff incentives. Energy Infrastructure (Policy Debate): A non-binding MoU between Albania and Argent LNG would assess an onshore LNG storage/regasification terminal, but critics flag unclear economic gains, environmental and tourism impacts, and transparency gaps. Defense Industry: Albania’s Defence Minister Ermal Nufi calls defence industry development a strategic priority, citing KAYO joint ventures and early vehicle production for the armed forces. Diplomacy & Investment: President Bajram Begaj met UAE leaders in Abu Dhabi, discussing cooperation in economy, trade, renewable energy, technology and infrastructure, with Emirati investment highlighted. Hospitality Expansion: Accor plans new brands and openings in Albania, including Novotel and Handwritten Collection in Tirana and Swissôtel on the coast, as tourism demand keeps rising. Real Estate (Regional Growth): Keller Williams awarded a Montenegro master franchise, signaling continued EMEA expansion that includes the wider Western Balkans. International Business: Comcast and Paramount are reviewing strategic options for SkyShowtime, including a possible wind-down, while service continues in the meantime.