NATO & Defence Finance: Albania is set to back a new Canada-led Defence, Security and Resilience Bank, with nine countries including Tirana signing on at the Ankara summit; the goal is to mobilize up to £100bn in cheaper defence-linked finance and make the bank operational in 2027. Defence Spending Pressure: Updated NATO figures ahead of the summit show only a handful of allies are projected to hit the new 3.5% core-defence target in 2026; Albania is listed at 1.48% last year but expected to be over 2% this year. Tax Reform: Albania’s draft law proposes a 15% minimum tax floor for large company groups (€750m+ revenue) to curb profit shifting, with the rule set to apply after EU accession. Renewable Fuel Rules: Fuel suppliers must raise renewable fuel use in transport from 2026, starting at 1% and climbing to at least 7% by 2030, aligning with EU standards. Tourism Reality Check: Eurostat data show Albania’s tourism remains highly seasonal: June–September account for about 70% of overnight stays, while winter is weak (Jan–Feb just 4.7%). Human Trafficking Crackdown: A global operation led by Austria and Romania, coordinated with INTERPOL and others, identified 2,070 victims and arrested 1,024 suspects across 59 countries. Protest & Court Update: Albania’s court released 19 protesters detained during clashes tied to the Kushner-linked coastal resort protests, with two under house arrest and others facing reporting requirements.