SME Finance Boost: The EBRD and EU backed ProCredit Bank Albania with a €25m guarantee to unlock up to €50m in new SME lending, targeting women and young entrepreneurs, firms outside Tirana, and green investments in energy efficiency. Banking Overhaul: Albania proposed legal reforms to update its banking and payment systems to match EU standards, aiming to cut transaction costs and improve consumer security. Defense Industry Push: Ahead of the 2027 NATO summit, Albania is ramping military production, including a €13m textile factory creating 800 jobs and naval vessel work with Fincantieri, with defense spending set to reach 2.6% of GDP. EU/Ukraine Security Links: At the Ukraine–Southeast Europe summit in Kyiv, leaders including Albania backed continued support and sanctions pressure on Russia; Zelensky urged stronger coordination and support for the 21st sanctions package. Controversial Resort Fallout: Dua Lipa amplified Albania’s “Flamingo Revolution” protests against a Trump-linked Sazan resort, criticizing the government’s move to change environmental protections without public consultation. Justice & Assets: Tirana prosecutors seized two apartments and a garage tied to a man sentenced to 10 years for narcotics trafficking after asset-income discrepancies were found. Energy Angle (Region): Kosovo is considering importing American LNG via an Albania-linked Vlora coastal power plant partnership.