Albania’s Digital Identity Push: Albania expanded the ALBTraceCo-backed mandate to cover biometric and digital identity systems, bringing sensitive citizen data, electronic authentication and verification registries under a unified state framework as a nationwide digital ID platform gears up. Security & Schools: Albania also moved ahead with an AI-powered camera system for school security, following earlier smart-camera rollouts. Health Ministry Shake-up: Klodiana Spahiu, a cardiologist and deputy speaker, was picked to replace Evis Sala as Albania’s health minister after Sala’s resignation sparked controversy over possible health-sector restructuring. Satellite Connectivity in the Region: 4iG Group and SpaceX signed agreements for Starlink Mobile across Hungary and the Western Balkans, plus “Sovereign Solutions” for more independent, secure satellite communications. Digital ID Wallets Across Europe: Europe’s digital identity wallets are shifting from pilots to rollout, with Albania’s new e-identification law aligning with EU eIDAS and other countries moving into production services. Marine Tech & Conservation: A World War II hospital ship off Vlora Bay is being studied as an artificial reef, now hosting devil firefish and rare Mediterranean monk seals. Global Tech Context: A new survey finds people often underestimate air-pollution harm, while Kazakhstan is set to join the Digital Cooperation Organization alongside Albania and others.