EU Accession Push: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen visited Tirana and said Albania’s EU goal is “on the horizon,” praising reforms but stressing full implementation for real change. Enlargement Mechanics: Brussels is also weighing letting Albania (and Montenegro) appoint an EU commissioner before formal membership, plus earlier access to EU programmes. Berlin Process Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha told the Berlin Process meeting that enlargement is the answer for a more resilient Europe, while Germany’s foreign minister voiced optimism for Montenegro’s EU path. Local Governance Clash: Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj asked parliament to halt a new municipal map cutting Tirana from 61 to 46 municipalities, saying residents were consulted too late. Urban Development Row: PM Edi Rama defended the “Tirana Fountain Tower” project, rejecting claims of forced evictions and saying foreign architects are needed for complex towers. Justice & Rights: New criminal-procedure rules would require courts to review all pre-trial detention orders and could change how prosecutors handle corruption and organised-crime cases. Economy & Work: ILO data says about 74% of Albanian jobs are mid-skill, with few vacancies for university-level specialists. Tech & Culture: Apple Music launched in Albania, joining Brunei, Burkina Faso and Pakistan. International Ties: US Ambassador Eric Wendt met Hoxha to highlight the long partnership and cooperation on trade and energy security.