Supreme Court Leadership: Albania has started the process to choose a new president of the Supreme Court as Sokol Sadushi’s term nears its end, with the court still battling a heavy case backlog. Tirana Mayor Detention: A key court date is set for 15 September in the long-running case of detained Tirana mayor Erion Veliaj, with renewed debate over whether his pre-trial detention is still strictly necessary and proportionate. EU Energy Funding: Albania is set to receive another €61 million from the EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans after energy-sector reforms bring rules closer to EU standards. Justice & Crime: Florjan Vuka, accused in a major 7.5-tonne cocaine trafficking network, has been extradited from Greece to Albania to face court proceedings. Public Safety Tragedy: A newlywed couple died in a high-speed BMW crash near Tirana just days after a secret wedding, alongside three other injured passengers. Health Watch: West Nile virus has spread to 12 European countries this year, including Albania, prompting calls for stronger mosquito-control efforts. Kosovo Tensions: NATO says any Mitrovica bridge reopening must consider the needs of both Albanian and Serb communities amid renewed pressure from Serbia. Brand & Tourism Incident: Principote Mykonos says it has no link to an unauthorised Ksamil beach bar tied to the fatal stabbing of a Portuguese tourist. Digital Economy: Albania introduced digital tax stamps for tobacco and alcohol so shoppers can scan codes to verify authenticity. Wildfire Risk: Extreme heat and drought continue to fuel wildfire danger across the region, with Albania reporting multiple active blazes.