EU Accession Push: Prime Minister Edi Rama says Albania will hold its ninth EU accession intergovernmental conference in Brussels on July 14, with the first three negotiation chapters expected to be provisionally closed. EU Chapters Closed: EU member states also agreed to close Albania’s Chapters 25 (Science and Research), 26 (Education and Culture) and 30 (External Relations), while Montenegro’s Chapter 8 and 29 were closed as well. Judicial Appointments: Albania’s High Judicial Council rejected former vetting officials’ bids for appeal court judge posts and approved/adjusted several ethical and professional evaluations. Cyber Safety: The National Cyber Security Authority warned of phishing SMS and emails impersonating banks and the Postal Service, urging people not to share OTPs, PINs or card details. Tax Amnesty Update: The General Directorate of Taxes says €313 million in tax liabilities has been automatically erased for 121,630 taxpayers under the 2026 amnesty framework. Gaza Role: Defense Minister Ermal Nufi says Albania will initially deploy staff officers to the international stabilization mission in Gaza, with later troop decisions depending on assessments. Tourism & Protests: The government defended a €4 million Kanye West concert subsidy amid ongoing protests tied to the broader Kushner-linked resort controversy. Public Works: The Qafë Qelë–Koman road reconstruction is complete, improving access to a key northern tourism route. Finance Snapshot: Bank of Albania data shows households and businesses hold about ALL 1.8 trillion in deposits, with savings growth continuing into 2025.