Energy & Infrastructure: Albania is preparing a new solar auction before year-end or early 2027, this time allowing battery storage, with the EBRD involved in cooperation; solar already covers about 11% of annual electricity and cumulative capacity reached 631 MW by end-2025. Energy Poverty: OECD data show 38% of Albanian households can’t keep homes warm, with 27% struggling to pay utility bills; the government’s social protection plan targets support and more solar in rural areas. Transport Finance: The EBRD is considering financing a new 40-km motorway linking Lezhë to the Montenegro border at Murriqan as part of the Adriatic-Ionian corridor. Digital Commerce: Online selling is rising fast: 26% of Albanian businesses sold online in 2025 (up from 19%), placing Albania second in the Western Balkans after Serbia. Cyber Fraud: Albania is battling a spike in cyber scams, with victims reporting bank transfers after clicking messages tied to “Albania Post.” Banking & Finance: Raiffeisen Bank Albania says a technical issue caused some card transactions to post twice, now corrected with no system compromise found. Insurance: Albania’s insurance market keeps growing: premiums hit ALL 18.3bn in eight months and claims reached ALL 6bn, up 9%. Governance & Justice: SPAK arrested ECO-ELB administrator Leli Kaja in an Elbasan corruption case; prosecutors also extended the Vlora airport concession investigation. EU & Jobs: Germany plans to cut Western Balkans work-visa quotas in half from 2027, a move that could hit construction staffing.