Why is this important: Spectators in the second round pre-qualifier hurled slogans like “A good Albanian is a dead Albanian,” “Gas chamber for Albanians” and “Pure Macedonia,” stark reminders of deep ethnic divides in a country where Albanians constitute nearly one third of the 1.8 million population. Such hate speech on a global sporting stage threatens to inflame tensions and tarnish North Macedonia’s multiethnic fabric.

Why is this important: The incident has led to many questions being asked over how the project could have progressed so far without intervention. The cabins were visible, installed on concrete foundations, in the heart of a protected area—raising doubts about the vigilance and resolve of local authorities and the territorial inspectorate. Critics say the fact that it took national-level intervention to remove the structures points to deep dysfunction in how local governance enforces environmental and construction laws. But the scandal has also exposed divisions between Albania’s executive and judicial institutions. Prime Minister Rama has accused Shkodër’s Prosecution Office—and specifically prosecutor Elsa Gjeli—of enabling a crime against the public interest by refusing to open an investigation, despite a formal complaint from local police. “How is it possible,” Rama asked, “that after the police and inspectorate documented the violation and referred the case, the prosecution chose to bury it?”

Why is this important: The resolution praises the strengthening of judicial independence and the ongoing fight against corruption and organized crime. But it also raises concerns over persistent political polarization and confrontational rhetoric, calling for more inclusive and constructive political dialogue in Albania.

Why is this important: Veliaj has now spent five months in detention without being formally charged. His international legal team argues that this violates the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), which prohibits arbitrary detention and requires that pretrial arrest be both necessary and proportionate. The case has sparked renewed criticism of double standards in the justice system, particularly when opposition figures accused of more serious offenses remain free.

Why is this important: Veliaj, arrested on February 10 in connection with a corruption investigation by SPAK (Albania’s Special Anti-Corruption Structure), is one of the few sitting officials from the ruling Socialist Party to be detained while in office. But what has stirred widespread controversy is not the investigation itself—it’s the contrasting treatment of political figures across party lines.