Judicial Pay Dispute: Albania’s judges are pushing for higher salaries, but the fight is now tangled in court—raising fresh questions about separation of powers and conflict of interest. Local Governance Under Pressure: The B40 mayors’ network is urging Albania’s Supreme Court to consider alternatives to jail as it reviews Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj’s 19-month detention on Sept. 15. Courtroom Access for Media: Albania’s journalists’ association has filed a constitutional challenge against new anti-corruption court rules that restrict phones, recordings, cameras, and access to hearings. Drugs at Durrës Port: Police seized 41.35 kg of cocaine hidden in a frozen chicken shipment from Brazil, worth about €2m, and say investigations are ongoing into the full trafficking chain. Education Starts Amid Security Checks: Over 340,000 students returned for the 2026-2027 school year, including 25,000 first-graders; a bomb threat at a Tirana school was later ruled a false alarm and a suspect was detained. Energy Costs Watch: Rising oil prices are putting pressure on Albanian fuel prices to pass 220 lek per liter. UAE-Albania Diplomacy: President Bajram Begaj met UAE leaders in Abu Dhabi, discussing trade, renewable energy, technology, infrastructure, and water cooperation. Tourism Payments: Albania’s tourism sector is pushing to cut POS transaction fees to boost card payments, arguing current costs are blocking adoption. Air Travel Boom: Eurocontrol data shows record summer air traffic across Europe, with Albania among the most visited destinations.