EU Accession Push: Albania will close its first three EU negotiation chapters on July 14 in Brussels, with Rama saying chapters 25 (Science and Research), 26 (Education and Culture) and 30 (External Relations) are set to be provisionally wrapped up. EU Desk & Enlargement Momentum: EU member states also agreed to close Montenegro’s Chapter 8 (Competition Policy) and Chapter 29 (Customs Union), while opening Cluster 6 for Ukraine and Moldova. Public Administration for EU Funds: The anti-corruption and public administration minister said capacity-building is ramping up alongside staffing and training through ASPA, aimed at helping Albania absorb EU money. Cyber Safety: Albania’s cybersecurity authority warned of phishing SMS and emails impersonating banks and the postal service, urging people not to click links or share OTP/PIN/card details. Judicial Appointments: The High Judicial Council rejected former vetting officials’ bids for appeal court judge posts. Tourism & Protests: The government defended a €4 million state subsidy for a Kanye West concert, as protests tied to the wider Kushner-linked resort controversy continue. NATO & Gaza: Defense Minister Ermal Nufi said Albania will initially send staff officers to the international stabilization mission in Gaza, with more personnel only after further assessment. Infrastructure & Travel: Tirana airport adds Zurich and Sofia flights, and the Qafë Qelë–Koman road reconstruction improves access to a key northern tourism route. Finance Snapshot: Bank of Albania data says households and businesses hold about ALL 1.8 trillion in deposits, with the top 10 depositors controlling 7.5%. Energy: About 3,500 households and businesses now generate power via solar panels, and a new online complaints platform is planned for 2026.