Why is this important: SPAK’s latest operation targets 24 individuals from the university, with five placed in pretrial detention, ten under house arrest, and nine ordered to report to authorities. The charges center on alleged corruption and abuse of office, but Rama’s reaction signals a growing political rift with SPAK. By welcoming the dean before the parliamentary group, the Prime Minister is taking an unprecedented step in publicly scrutinizing an ongoing investigation, further intensifying the already volatile political climate ahead of the May 11 elections.

Why is this important: Relations with Greece are important to Albania, but they have been quite complicated at time because of a host of unresolved issues. In recent years, the Beleri case has caused a chill in diplomatic ties, and only recently has there been signs of a thaw. Berisha’s remarks and the fact that he was sitting next to Beleri make it unlikely that they will help him electorally. Most Albanians do not seem to have a favorable opinion of Beleri and there is a widespread perception among Albanians that the maritime deal he signed was detrimental to Albania and gave away 300 square miles of sea to Greece. Instead, it appears more probable that Berisha is reaching out to the Greek government in a continued effort to ease his international isolation.

Why is this important: The wartime law, established by Greece through a royal decree on November 10, 1940, was enacted after Italy declared war on Greece and launched an invasion through the then-annexed Albanian territory. This decree categorized Albanians as enemy nationals, leading to the conservatory confiscation of their properties across Greece, which were placed under state administration. Although the Greek government decided to lift the law on August 28, 1987, it was never officially published in the Government Gazette, leaving its legal status ambiguous and its effects unresolved.

Why is this important: While EU leaders repeated their promises of military aid and Ukraine’s future integration into the bloc, Rama challenged them to face a new reality. With a new U.S. administration in power, he argued that the strategic landscape has changed, yet Europe continues operating as if nothing has happened. His remarks emphasized the need for Europe to adopt a more unified diplomatic approach rather than relying solely on Washington’s lead.

Why is this important: Albania has set an ambitious goal to become a net energy exporter by 2030. The country, along with Norway, is one of the two European nations generating electricity entirely from renewable sources. A new joint energy venture with Masdar signed during the visit, aims to support Albania’s long-term energy strategy, and expand its role in regional energy markets.