Albanian Economy Watch: Albania’s Q1 2026 growth hit 3.71%, led by public administration, education and health (+13.93%), plus real estate (+8.9%) and construction (+3.33%), while industry and farming cooled (industry/energy/water -2.17% and agriculture -0.49%), and unemployment fell to 8.4% as average wages rose to about 90,000 lek. Protests & Tourism Development: Thousands of Albanians again filled Tirana, demanding PM Edi Rama’s resignation and an end to the Kushner-linked luxury resort in the protected Zvernec/Narta area, after barbed-wire fencing and bulldozers appeared; protesters carry giant pink flamingos and cite lack of transparency and accountability. Agriculture Cooperation: Albania and Kosovo signed two agreements to boost agricultural advisory services, technology transfer, innovation, and a shared approach to marketing and trade in agri-food products. Energy Transition Angle: A regional energy policy piece highlights the need for clearer rules so “active customers” can generate, store and sell green power across the Energy Community, including Albania. Labour Market Snapshot: International-institution jobs pay far above the national average, with Albania’s highest wages in 2025 recorded in international institutions (189,000 lek gross monthly). Climate & Wildfire Pressure: A record heatwave continues to hit Europe and the Balkans, with wildfires reported in the region and Albania battling a blaze near Klos.