Rail Modernisation: Albania’s Infrastructure and Energy Ministry moved a key step forward in Parliament with the EBRD loan ratification for electrifying the Tirana–Durrës railway and extending service to Tirana International Airport, targeting a modern electric line by end-2027. Food Safety & EU Alignment: The Agriculture Ministry presented a draft law to ratify Germany technical cooperation for the EU4Food Safety project, aiming to strengthen inspection procedures, laboratories, and controls to meet EU standards. Banking & Digital Finance: Raiffeisen Bank Albania won three Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2026—Best Bank for Corporates, Best Digital Bank, and Best Bank for ESG—highlighting continued tech investment and sustainable finance. Exports & Trade: June exports jumped 13.6% year-on-year, led by energy, minerals, and building materials, while imports rose too, keeping the trade gap large. Tourism Pressure: The tourism minister warned protests are already hitting arrivals, with June foreign arrivals up only slightly and cancellations linked to political unrest. Economy Slows: Albania’s H1 growth eased in early 2026, with industry and agriculture still weighing on performance while unemployment and inflation pressures persist. Agriculture Policy: Parliament approved multiple agriculture bills, including agricultural census and chemical management updates, with a notable split inside the ruling Socialist Party. Coastal Development Backlash: The “Flamingo Revolution” protests keep growing against major coastal projects tied to Affinity Partners, with critics citing environmental and governance concerns. Corruption Watch: SPAK’s role in the Kushner-linked resort controversy remains in focus as asset freezes and alleged document issues fuel scrutiny.