Why is this important: The Belgrade incident remains one of the most controversial moments in European football. While the game in Tirana proceeded without any problems, the meeting in Serbia is awaited with anxiety and authorities are determined to prevent any repeat that could bring severe FIFA sanctions — including a multi-year suspension from international competitions.

Why is this important: The rise marks a continuation of moderate inflation within the central bank’s target range, signaling stable consumer demand but also persistent pressure from housing and energy costs. Inflation remains one of the key indicators of the cost of living in Albania.

Why is this important: The reaffirmation strengthens investor confidence in Albania’s economy and signals continued trust in the government’s fiscal management as the country advances toward EU integration.

Why is this important: This ruling adds another dramatic chapter to the Veliaj saga, which has dominated Albanian politics since the mayor’s arrest and suspension. The Constitutional Court’s decision effectively overturns the President’s decree to call elections in Tirana, a decree that had surprised many jurists at the time. Legal experts had described the reasoning of President Begaj’s advisers as overly creative, arguing that they had stretched procedural interpretations to justify holding elections even while Veliaj’s appeal was pending. Now, the Court’s unanimous suspension delivers a direct blow to the President, and an indirect one to the Prime Minister and the Socialist majority, who were eager to move forward quickly with a new political chapter in the capital.

Why is this important: The two upcoming matches are seen as crucial tests for Silvinho’s squad, both tactically and mentally, as Albania continues to build momentum following a solid qualifying campaign.

Why is this important: Shkambi was detained after threatening on television to kill any judge who might sentence his nephew, remarks that prompted immediate police action.

Why is this important: The attack on a BDI election candidate raises serious concerns about rising political tensions and the fragile interethnic stability in North Macedonia. Tensions between the Macedonian and Albanian communities have deepened since the nationalist VMRO-DPMNE government took power, vowing to roll back many of the rights and guarantees secured under the Ohrid Agreement. While the motives and perpetrators of the shooting remain unknown, the incident risks further escalating divisions in a country still marked by the memory of the 2001 armed conflict between ethnic Albanian insurgents and Macedonian security forces.

Why is this important: Adams’s visit reflects growing U.S.-Albania cooperation and recognition of the strong Albanian-American community in New York, home to more than 60,000 ethnic Albanians. The trip is also seen as a step toward expanding tourism and direct economic links between the two countries.