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May tourism hits record high with over 1.6 million entries into Albania

Why is this important: The growing number of arrivals signals another busy summer for the Albanian tourism sector, with implications for infrastructure readiness, service capacity, and the economy. The steady rise in domestic and foreign visitor numbers reaffirms Albania’s emergence as a prime Mediterranean destination.
The Guardian highlights Kushner’s $1B Sazan Island project: “Trump Island” to become luxury Mediterranean haven

Why is this important: Described as a “jewel of the Mediterranean,” Sazan Island is now at the center of a $1 billion investment led by Kushner and his wife Ivanka Trump. The plan has generated global interest not only because of the Trump family’s involvement, but also due to the site’s untouched natural beauty and strategic location between the Adriatic and Ionian seas.
PM Rama meets NATO chief in upbeat tone ahead of The Hague summit

Why is this important: The warm and lighthearted encounter between the two leaders underscores the close rapport between Rama and Rutte, the former Dutch Prime Minister who recently took over as NATO Secretary General.
Recount reveals hollow DP fraud claims as Berisha plays for time

Why is this important: The recount, requested by DP and approved by its own members in the Commission of Appeals and Sanctions (CAS), has so far unearthed only marginal, human errors—common in any manual counting process and well within international standards. In fact, in a plurality of cases, the errors seem to have favored the Democratic Party itself. The discrepancy between their public accusations and the reality of the vote count is striking. This undercuts Berisha’s repeated claims that the Socialist Party rigged the election and turns the spotlight inward.
German retail giant LIDL to invest €105M in Albania logistics hub, eyes national supermarket rollout

Why is this important: This is one of the largest foreign investments in Albania’s logistics and retail sector. The project is expected to create around 2,500 jobs and will serve as a base for future supermarket operations across the country, strengthening Albania’s supply chain and integrating local producers into a modern distribution network.
Albanian agriculture shows solid growth in 2024, livestock lags behind

Why is this important: Agriculture remains a key pillar of Albania’s economy. Sustained growth in production, particularly in vegetables and olives, shows clear potential for exports and rural development. However, the sector’s balance is under pressure, as livestock numbers and dairy output decline, revealing structural weaknesses.
Electoral reform back on agenda when new parliamentary session begins

Why is this important: The need for electoral reform has been reiterated by international observers. Both the OSCE’s preliminary report and EU commentary on the May 11 elections underline the failure to implement prior recommendations issued after the 2021 and 2023 elections. Political parties across the spectrum are also calling for deeper reforms, including a potential overhaul of the electoral system itself.
Restored Ottoman-era Hammam opens to the public in Durrës with cultural event

Korça hosts 7th edition of “Moto & Rock Fest”

Rama backs U.S. strike, slams Iran’s theocracy as a “unique aberration” openly calling for extermination

Why is this important: Rama’s statement firmly positions Albania among the countries backing American strikes on Iranian targets. It reinforces Tirana’s strategic alignment with Washington and highlights Albania’s long-standing opposition to the Iranian regime, especially in light of its past cyberattacks against Albanian public infrastructure.