Why is this important: The Mountain Package was designed to boost agricultural and agrotourism investments in Albania’s mountain regions. For decades, thousands of former property owners have been unable to reclaim ownership due to complex restitution processes dating back to the communist expropriations. The law sought to address this 35-year paradox by allowing investments on inherited lands based on the testimony of neighboring landowners. If no ownership claims exist, municipalities are authorized to facilitate the cadastral registration process, unlocking development potential in these areas.

Why is this important: Rama’s statement came during a joint appearance with Montenegrin Prime Minister Milojko Spajić at Chatham House, where both leaders spoke on the Western Balkans’ European future. The issue of migration unexpectedly stole the spotlight when Spajić appeared more open to the idea of hosting migrant facilities if matched by European investment — a remark that prompted a sharp, ironic response from Rama.

Why is this important: Over three decades, Albanian lawmakers have turned to the Venice Commission for opinions on key constitutional and legal issues — from the first efforts to draft a new Constitution in 1993 to recent cases such as that of the former foreign minister where the Commission was asked to weigh the balance between parliamentary independence and Constitutional Court rulings. Although the Commission’s opinions are advisory, they have been crucial in shaping Albania’s constitutional and institutional development.

Why is this important: The arrest of a defense lawyer for simply protesting to follow the legal course against a prosecutor, has sparked a wave of outrage among the legal community, which called it an alarming escalation and a dangerous precedent. The National Bar Association described it as the “institutionalization of a prosecutors’ state,” and insisted that Bajrami was simply fulfilling his professional duty by exposing alleged misconduct in the prosecution’s evidence.

Why is this important: The current SPAK chief’s term ends in mid-December, and a successor must be chosen before then. The new director will serve a three year, nonrenewable term, in line with the justice reform framework that also limits SPAK prosecutors to one nine-year term without reappointment.

Why is this important: The upcoming protest has become the latest flashpoint between Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama and Kosovo’s ruling Vetëvendosje movement, led by Albin Kurti. In an unexpected move, Vetëvendosje launched a harsh attack against Rama, accusing him of hypocrisy for supporting the protest despite once backing the creation of the Specialist Chambers — the very court now trying UÇK leaders.

Why is this important: The draft triggered strong opposition for what critics saw as an attempt to introduce alternative  genders into Albanian law — a concept that remains controversial even across many EU countries. Facing backlash, including from religious institutions, the ruling Socialist Party moved swiftly to amend the bill, reaffirming the constitutional definition of gender as man and woman.

Why is this important: The ICG, one of the most respected global conflict-analysis organizations, highlights a sharp cooling of ties between Kosovo and its Western allies — an alarming shift given the historic U.S. and EU role as the country’s strongest political and financial supporters. The report suggests that Kurti’s policies risk isolating Kosovo internationally and undermining the fragile progress made since independence.