AGP Executive Report

Kushner Resort Probe: Albania prosecutors are investigating whether land deeds for a Jared Kushner-backed luxury resort were forged, after a Miami-based businessman, Artur Shehu, was named in SPAK case files; prosecutors also allege cocaine-linked money was laundered through the property deal and say about €110m tied to the sale has been frozen, while Shehu denies wrongdoing. Tourism Under Fire: PM Edi Rama says authorities asked Google to restore hotel and restaurant ratings after suspected fake-review attacks, with police checking thousands of suspicious accounts as businesses report gradual recovery. EU Accession Push: Rama says Albania will hold its ninth EU accession conference on July 14 in Brussels, with three more negotiation chapters expected to be provisionally closed; EU member states also agreed to close chapters for Albania and Montenegro. EU Business Rules: Parliament advanced three draft laws to align company structures with EU-style rules after membership, aiming to help Albanian firms operate across the EU without separate branches. Public Finance Watch: Albania’s banks ended 2025 stronger, with bad loans down to 3.8% and lending up 13.5%, while regulators tightened oversight. 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 or card details. Regional Security: The multinational maritime exercise Breeze 2026 kicked off in the Black Sea with Albania among participating navies. Protests Continue: Thousands of Albanians marched again in Tirana for a 41st night, demanding Rama’s resignation and a technical government.

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.

EU Enlargement Push: Czech PM Andrej Babiš backed further EU expansion to the Western Balkans, saying Montenegro and Albania should join by 2028 after the Tivat summit. Women’s Entrepreneurship: An Erasmus+ partnership in Trieste brought together EU Desk Curaçao and Fundashon SEFBA to train women entrepreneurs and youth across Albania and the region. AI Connectivity in Albania: Vodafone Albania and Nokia showcased AI-powered 5G network slicing that autonomously reallocates resources for smarter, more reliable services. Tourism & Health: Albania will charge set fees for foreign tourists using the public health system this summer as demand rises. Protests in Tirana: Daily anti-government rallies marked a 40th day, with protesters again calling for PM Edi Rama’s resignation and alleging police scrutiny of thousands of social media accounts. Kanye West Funding Row: The government defended a €4m subsidy for Kanye West’s Tirana concert, amid outrage and ongoing protests. Urban Renewal: Work is starting on “Urban Renaissance 2.0,” a second programme targeting waste, transport, water, parking, public buildings and derelict industrial areas. Solar Growth: Albania now has about 3,500 households and businesses producing electricity via solar panels, as regulators prepare an online complaints platform. Transport Update: Tirana airport added direct flights to Zurich and Sofia, three times weekly.

Violence in Kurbin (Laç): Police are investigating a fatal shooting that killed Ilir Gjini, who died on the way to Tirana’s Trauma Hospital after being shot around 10:10 p.m. Anti-government protests: Protesters marked the 40th straight day on Tirana’s “Dëshmorët e Kombit” Boulevard, renewing calls for Prime Minister Edi Rama’s resignation and accusing police of targeting thousands of social media accounts tied to negative business reviews. Tourism under cyber-scrutiny: Albania’s State Police chief warned of a suspected coordinated cyber campaign using thousands of accounts to post negative reviews targeting hotels and restaurants across multiple cities. Major property fraud probe: Durres prosecutors moved against cadastre officials in a land-transfer scheme, with court-ordered restrictions for 12 people over alleged forged documents, fraud, and money laundering. Kushner-linked resort backlash: A satellite-based report says preparatory works for the Zvernec luxury resort cleared protected coastal habitat, fueling the ongoing “Flamingo Revolution” protests. Economy watch: INSTAT reports June inflation at 3.2%, the highest since Jan 2024, driven mainly by food, rent, and transport. NATO and Albania’s role: NATO leaders in Ankara reaffirmed defense commitments as Canada pushed a new Defense, Security and Resilience Bank that includes Albania among founding supporters. Sports: Albania’s U16 women’s team finished unbeaten in Group Phase to reach the semi-finals.

Tourism Under Attack: Albanian police say they’ve identified over 10,000 suspicious accounts behind a coordinated wave of fake negative reviews targeting hotels and restaurants across Tirana, Durrës, Vlorë, Sarandë and more, with investigators now checking whether the campaign is organized and could be referred for cybercrime charges. Zvërnec Protest Fallout: Prime Minister Edi Rama says the long-running protests against the Kushner-linked Flamingo luxury resort in Zvërnec have shifted into a wider political fight tied to Donald Trump, while the tourism minister warns the unrest already hurt June tourism growth. EU Accession Politics: No agreement was reached in the EU–Albania Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee over a joint resolution, as Socialists and Democrats clashed on amendments reflecting Albania’s EU progress. NATO Ankara Links: Rama met Turkish President Erdoğan after the NATO summit, with talks focused on bilateral ties and defense cooperation, while NATO leaders reaffirmed support for Ukraine and discussed the next summit in Albania. EU Talks Timeline: EU plans intergovernmental conferences in Brussels next week, including Albania, with Cluster 6 discussions for Ukraine and possible chapter openings/closures for Albania and Moldova. Public Administration Reform: Albania’s government says strengthening public administration is key for EU accession, citing progress in wage reform and nearing completion of several negotiation chapters. Property Fraud Case: A Durrës court ordered restrictions on 12 people in a suspected scheme involving illegal transfers of state-owned land, after major irregularities were found in cadastre records. Labour Shortage Warning: An OECD report says emigration, ageing and low training are shrinking Albania’s workforce, leaving employers with growing job vacancies.

NATO Summit Fallout (Ankara): Leaders ended the Ankara meeting with a renewed “ironclad” pledge to Article 5, even as U.S. President Donald Trump whipsawed between criticism and praise, while Iran strikes and Greenland demands kept tensions in the spotlight. Albania as Next Host: NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte confirmed the next summit will be held in Albania, but no date was set. EU Accession Push: Albanian Socialist Party MP Taulant Balla said Albania is in a decisive phase of EU talks, pointing to the Zvërnec tourism project meeting EU environmental standards. Kanye West Funding Row: Prime Minister Edi Rama and Tourism Minister Blendi Gonxhja defended €4 million in state support for Kanye West’s Tirana concert, saying it protects Albania’s image and boosts tourism. Border Incident: Three North Macedonian officials were reportedly denied entry at Qafë Thanë, with claims linked to Tirana’s “Flamingo Revolution.” Local Security: Reports also covered arrests tied to alleged property fraud and gambling/drug investigations in Fushë-Krujë.

Kanye West Concert Funding: Albania’s PM Edi Rama defended a €4m state support package for Kanye West’s July 11 Tirana show, saying it’s needed to avoid cancellation and boost tourism, after weeks of protests and backlash over the rapper’s antisemitic history. NATO in the Spotlight: NATO chief Mark Rutte said the next NATO summit will be held in Albania, with the date still undecided, while allies in Ankara reaffirmed Article 5 and pushed a stronger European role. Tourism Labor Crackdown: The economy ministry announced 2026 measures to curb undeclared work and protect workers’ rights and safety during the tourist season. Crime and Corruption: A cadastre official in Dibër was arrested in an alleged property fraud scheme, and an officer was detained in a Fushë-Krujë probe into illegal gambling and drugs. Payments Upgrade: Albania’s central bank is preparing instant 24/7 mobile payments after joining SEPA, alongside tighter cyber security. EU Politics: Eight EU states opposed opening Serbia’s next accession cluster, while Serbia’s parliament speaker said a “Belgrade Declaration” confirms a permanent EU-path cooperation format. Environment Watch: MEPs and environmentalists warned that the Kushner-linked Adriatic resort could set a precedent for construction inside protected coastal wetlands.

Fier Crime Probe: Fier Prosecution says it moved immediately after a video of an underage girl assault circulated, launching an investigation for “unlawful deprivation of liberty” and seeking court-ordered security measures as more suspected offences involving minors are reviewed. NATO Ankara & Albania’s Role: At the NATO summit in Ankara, Albania is listed among backers of Canada’s Defence, Security and Resilience Bank, while NATO leaders push for higher defence spending and faster defence-ready capabilities amid uneven budgets. Tourism Seasonality: Eurostat data show Albania’s tourism is heavily summer-focused, with July-August at 42.4% of 2025 overnight stays, leaving winters weak and putting pressure on services during peak months. Economy Watch: A new analysis argues Albania’s growth is overly tied to construction, with concrete driving value added but raising concerns over productivity, distorted investment and possible illicit money flows. Local Business: HSEQ consultancy Technique Works opens a Tirana office to serve clients across the Western Balkans. Social Tensions: Commentary links Serbia and Albania’s protest waves to shared grievances that could complicate EU accession efforts.

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.

NATO Summit in Ankara: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan will host NATO leaders July 7-8, with bilateral meetings alongside defence and regional security talks. Albanian PM Edi Rama is among the expected heads of state and government, alongside US President Donald Trump and others. Anti-government protests and politics: Commentary continues to swirl around Tirana’s “Flamingo Revolution,” with renewed debate over who planned the violence and symbolic actions during boulevard demonstrations and clashes near police stations and parliament. Justice and detention: Lawyers for detained Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj say a Constitutional Court ruling found serious flaws in keeping him in custody, pushing the case back for further review. Courts and prosecutors: The General Prosecutor opened a call for expressions of interest to fill three seats on the High Prosecutorial Council, with applications due by July 21. Public safety: A fire broke out near Shijak, with smoke visible along the Durrës–Tirana highway as firefighters worked to contain flames fanned by strong winds. Crime and drugs: Police arrested a suspect in Kukës over a cannabis plantation in Vlahen të Hasit, seizing nearly 1,900 plants and ammunition. EU and economy: An OECD report says Albania’s small businesses have slightly better access to finance, but bank lending remains weak due to credit and collateral gaps. Wildfires across Europe: Southern Europe’s wildfire crisis continues, forcing evacuations and disrupting travel, with conditions expected to worsen as heat and wind return.

Anti-Graft & Protests: Albania’s court ordered the release of 19 protesters detained after clashes tied to the Trump-linked Kushner resort, with some placed under house arrest or reporting orders as nightly demonstrations continue in Tirana. EU & Business: Prime Minister Edi Rama announced a new programme to help small and medium-sized firms prepare for EU membership, plus a “Double Your Enterprise” scheme to boost production. Asylum & Citizenship: Albania saw asylum requests rise 38% in 2025, while 495 people received or regained Albanian citizenship, with Kosovo-born applicants making up more than half. Finance Access: An OECD review says small businesses have slightly better loan access than before, but bank lending still lags due to weak credit information and collateral registration. NATO & Defence: Ahead of the Ankara summit, Albania is set to receive Türkiye’s MKE BORAN 105mm air-transportable howitzers to strengthen NATO’s southeastern flank. Public Safety: Albania is listed by UNODC as a heroin transit route to Europe, based on seizure data from 2021-2024. Connectivity: Albania says 4G covers 97% of territory and 100% of the population, with fixed broadband reaching 97% household penetration. International Angle: In England and Wales, Albanian prisoners made 157,962 calls to Albania in six months, putting Albania far ahead of other destinations.

Protest Wave in Tirana: Tens of thousands again filled Skanderbeg Square for the 35th straight night, demanding Prime Minister Edi Rama’s resignation and broader anti-corruption reforms, after a movement that began over a Kushner-linked luxury resort in Zvernec. Court Decisions: A Tirana court freed 19 protesters detained after July 2 clashes; two face house arrest while most are released under lighter reporting obligations. Escalation at Police Station No. 3: Overnight unrest turned violent near the station, with a police officer injured and damage reported; the Interior Minister blamed online misinformation and a “cycle of violence.” Symbol Clash Over Coffin: Rama said an empty coffin display during the protests was taken over by opponents, while Socialist officials called it an unacceptable political act. Wildfire Crisis Across Europe: Southern Europe’s fires forced evacuations and threatened major events like the Tour de France, as heat and wind fuel new blazes.

Protests & Courts: Albania’s anti-government “Flamingo Revolution” keeps rolling: a Tirana court ordered the release of 19 protesters arrested after the July 2 clashes outside Parliament, while two remain under house arrest. Police Violence & Damage: Overnight unrest at Tirana Police Station No. 3 left an officer injured and the station badly damaged; Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari condemned the violence and blamed online misinformation for inflaming tensions. New Court March: Organizers plan a march to Tirana Court as detention hearings begin for arrested demonstrators, after further clashes and water used to disperse crowds. Wildfires: Strong winds drove fast-moving wildfires across Fier and Kavajë, threatening olive groves and water-supply areas; authorities suspect some fires may have been deliberately set. Politics & Budget: PM Edi Rama announced a pension bonus and extra health funding, while also saying the government is listening to protesters’ concerns. Coastal Project Row: Rama again denied claims of development in Porto Palermo Bay, saying the area is protected and that circulating plans were misrepresented.

Protests in Tirana: Albania’s anti-government rallies hit a 35th straight night, with tens of thousands marching over the Kushner-linked Zvërnec resort plan and broader demands for PM Edi Rama’s resignation, including symbolic acts like toppling a Rama bust and carrying a coffin through the crowd. Government response: Rama says the project near the protected Zvërnec Lagoon is still under review, insists no final plan or permit exists, and denies environmental safeguards were weakened. Political friction inside the movement: Organizers move toward a National Citizens’ Assembly, but internal disputes are growing over transparency, representation, and how the founding group was formed. Ombudsman oversight: Albania’s ombudsman is checking complaints of police violence after protest arrests, including visits to stations and the Trauma Hospital. Crime and security: Police arrested a 70-year-old in Kukës for cultivating 1,874 cannabis plants and illegal firearms; separate reports say 46 kg of suspected narcotics were seized at Tirana International Airport. EU-linked funding: Albania expects 213.6 million euros from the EU Growth Plan reform report, with progress reported at nearly 48% of measures. Economy and prices: INSTAT data shows eggs and other livestock items drove the biggest price rises, while fruit and vegetables also climbed. Road safety: Seven people were injured in a multi-vehicle crash near the Kosovo-Albania border. Public safety at sea: A 29-year-old woman died in a suspected drowning at Porto Novo Beach near Zvërnec.

Protests & Politics: Albania’s anti-government demonstrations hit day 34 as protesters marched again toward the Prime Minister’s Office, calling for Edi Rama’s resignation, while clashes earlier saw police use tear gas and pepper spray and dozens detained. Justice System: Rama defended Albania’s justice system in a BBC interview, saying it must stay independent and “straight ahead,” amid ongoing political tensions. EU Funding: Albania expects 213.6 million euros from the EU Growth Plan reform report, with the assessment due later this year and nearly half the measures already completed. Defense & NATO: Rama said Albania plans a National Special Forces Academy with Israeli support, following the National Flight School launch, with no timeline given. Crime & Security: Police seized about 46 kg of suspected narcotics at Tirana International Airport after intelligence from Canadian counterparts; three suspects were arrested. Road Safety: Seven people were injured in a multi-vehicle crash near the Kosovo-Albania border at Morina, with investigations ongoing. Economy & Prices: INSTAT data show eggs drove the biggest jump in 2025 food prices, while dairy and other livestock products remain under pressure. Diaspora Strategy: A new National Strategy for the Diaspora 2026–2030 shifts focus from remittances to investments, skills, and professional expertise.

Protests in Tirana: Albania’s anti-government “Flamingo Revolution” protests kept escalating, with demonstrators clashing with police outside Parliament, throwing eggs and rocks, and police using tear gas, pepper spray and water cannon; 19 people were arrested and dozens of officers and protesters were reported injured. Kushner-linked resort probe: Authorities say a man who sold land tied to Jared Kushner’s Albania tourism project is under criminal investigation over alleged drug trafficking and money laundering. Defense push: Prime Minister Edi Rama announced a National Special Forces Academy with Israeli training support, following the inauguration of the National Flight School, while Albania also plans to raise defense spending. EU track: Ursula von der Leyen said Albania is making steady progress toward EU membership, as Ireland’s EU presidency begins. Economy & jobs: Unemployment fell to 8.4% in Q1 2026 and tourism-linked services drove hiring, while OECD data show Albanians—especially men—delay retirement due to financial insecurity. Public safety: A 29-year-old woman died in a suspected drowning at Porto Novo Beach, and police arrested two wanted suspects hiding in Dhërmi. Diaspora strategy: Albania is shifting its diaspora plan from remittances toward investments, skills and professional expertise.