Cash in the Shadows: Cash circulating outside Albania’s banking system hit a record 505.7 billion lek (about €5.4bn) at end-June, up 14.4% year-on-year, showing how hard-to-track payments still leave room for tax evasion. Energy Funding: Germany will back three Albanian energy projects with €90m in loans and €24m in grants, including digital upgrades to the grid and work at Vau i Dejës hydropower. Migrant Policy Clash: Italy is pushing an “Albania model” for EU migrant return hubs outside the bloc after the Ceuta crisis, with possible host countries including several African states. EU Interior Talks: The proposal is set to be raised by Italy’s interior minister at an emergency EU meeting of interior ministers. Road Safety Push: Albania’s new road-safety strategy targets fewer deaths by 2030, focusing on safer roads, stronger checks, and better protection for pedestrians and cyclists. Municipal Reform Fight: Opposition demands a referendum over plans to cut municipalities from 61 to 46, while Rama says the Socialist Party can still oppose the move during a 60-day consultation. Tourism Pressure: Short-term rentals are booming: apartment bookings rose 23% year-on-year, but supply grew slower, pushing occupancy and nightly rates up. Prosecutor General Race: Albania’s High Prosecutorial Council begins reviewing candidates for Prosecutor General after the August 1 deadline. Anti-Drug Operation: Police arrested two men after destroying 1,121 cannabis plants on public land in Dibër. US Military Loan Signed: President Bajram Begaj signed into law a $302m US FMF military financing agreement.