Why is this important: Rama’s remarks reflect growing unease among some European leaders about the militarization of EU policy in response to global tensions. Speaking on a panel titled “Is Humanity Going in the Right Direction?”, he criticized what he called a “deeply wrong approach” by the European Union.

Why is this important: Veliaj is challenging both the Council of Ministers’ decision to dismiss him—issued in late September upon proposal by the Tirana Municipal Council—and the presidential decree setting the date for partial elections in Tirana. The mayor argues his dismissal was unconstitutional since his absence from office for over three months was due to his pretrial detention, an “objective reason” that, he claims, cannot justify removal from office. Just a week after the dismissal decree, Veliaj filed a second appeal, arguing that the president should have waited for the Constitutional Court’s ruling before calling new elections.

Why is this important: Under Dumani’s leadership, SPAK has launched and pursued high-profile investigations involving senior politicians and figures from organized crime, making his report one of the most closely watched sessions of the year. The hearing also marked the first time Dumani and opposition leader Sali Berisha, currently indicted for corruption, appeared in the same parliamentary hall. Berisha has accused Dumani of leading what he calls “a political justice campaign” and frequently labels him “the head of organized crime.”

Why is this important: This would mark the formal completion of the chapter-opening stage in Albania’s EU integration talks, putting the country among the frontrunners in the Western Balkans enlargement process. The cluster on agriculture and food safety is considered one of the most technically demanding, requiring alignment with complex EU standards on production, inspection, and consumer protection.

Why is this important: The projects mark major steps toward integrating Albania into the EU’s digital standards and simplifying public services through technology. Citizens will soon be able to use their smartphones as fully functional digital identity cards, while travelers will benefit from faster, contactless border control.