Why is this important: Trump Jr.’s comments are the latest in a series of statements challenging the legitimacy of NATO’s intervention in Kosovo. Alongside criticism of Kosovo’s leadership from Trump-era officials like Richard Grenell, they raise concerns in Pristina and Tirana about Washington’s future position on Kosovo. With U.S.-Kosovo relations already strained under Albin Kurti’s government, many fear that a new Trump administration could further distance itself from Pristina.

Why is this important: Rama’s statement and Grenell’s endorsement highlight growing discontent with the Special Court’s decisions, particularly its treatment of former Kosovo Liberation Army leaders. The case remains highly controversial among Albanians, who largely view the court as unjust and politically motivated.

Why is this important: France plays a crucial role in shaping EU enlargement policies, and its support is essential for Albania’s EU accession. The EPC Summit in Tirana highlights Albania’s growing diplomatic role in Europe and its commitment to regional stability and cooperation. The meeting also underscores Albania’s strategic alignment with EU priorities, including energy security, migration, and economic development.

Why is this important: Berisha, a dominant figure in Albanian politics for over three decades, is facing corruption charges and has been placed under a court order requiring regular appearances at SPAK after spending a year under house arrest. He has consistently dismissed the charges as politically motivated, accusing Prime Minister Edi Rama’s government of using the judiciary to target political opponents. He has engaged in a frontal attack against SPAK and the justice reform vowing to dismantle it if he wins in May 11.

Why is this important: Rama has placed Albania’s EU integration at the center of his electoral message, portraying the May 11 elections as a referendum on the country’s path toward membership. He argues that a strong Socialist Party victory would ensure continued momentum, while any political instability could raise doubts in Brussels. The Prime Minister also linked the election outcome to the success of justice reform, which he claims is at risk if the opposition, which he calls the “swamp” gains ground.

Why this is important: The election of His Eminence Joan Pelushi represents a new chapter for the Albanian Orthodox Church, which was revived from decades of persecution under communist rule by Archbishop Anastasios. The transition of leadership is particularly significant as Pelushi is the first Albanian-born Archbishop to lead the Church since its restoration. His appointment fulfills Archbishop Anastasios’s final wish that a native Albanian cleric take on this role.

Why is this important: The nightclub was operating with a falsified license and lacked basic emergency exits, raising serious concerns about regulatory failures and institutional corruption. The protests, which began in Kočani and quickly spread to Skopje, reflect deep-seated public frustration with government inaction and lack of accountability. The fallout has already led to the resignation of the mayor of Kočani, while several former government officials have been arrested. The crisis has exposed broader governance failures and intensified demands for justice and reform.

Why is this important: The protest was meant to challenge censorship and restrictions on free speech, but the low turnout and mismanagement raise questions about DP’s mobilization capacity. Additionally, Berisha’s contradictory rhetoric—condemning the TikTok ban as censorship while simultaneously praising Donald Trump for shutting down Voice of America and Radio Free Europe—further complicated the message. His political missteps, including urging children to skip school to protest a platform they are not legally allowed to use, also hurt the event’s credibility.