Energy & LNG Deals: A Wall Street Journal report raises fresh questions around US LNG diplomacy in the Balkans, spotlighting Kimberly Guilfoyle’s frequent meetings with Christos Marafatsos, a lobbyist tied to Greek infrastructure and energy group Aktor—linked to a reported $6bn LNG supply push involving Albania. Renewables Regulation: Albania’s Energy Regulatory Authority (ERE) has published draft rules to finally operationalize renewable energy communities, setting out registration, operation, and business-plan requirements for larger projects. Macroeconomy: The EBRD kept Albania’s 2026 growth forecast at 3.5%, noting construction and tourism strength while flagging pressure on industry and agriculture from competitiveness and energy-price volatility. EU Integration & Trade: An IMF working paper argues deeper EU-Western Balkans integration could add 8–15% to regional GDP per capita, with the biggest gains tied to lowering non-tariff barriers, improving logistics, and easing services regulation. Security Governance: President Bajram Begaj will convene Albania’s National Security Council Monday, expected to focus on the SHISH investigation after the arrest of former intelligence chief Vlora Hyseni. Food Affordability: Euronews Business reports food prices across Europe have surged faster than minimum wages in most countries, a backdrop that matters for Albania’s cost-of-living debate. Disaster Response: In Plaka, investigators are still working to identify six victims and determine the cause of a deadly blast, with early focus on a gas-related scenario.