This report covers the key macroeconomic and financial releases as well as the political events from Albania for the period of September 9 - October 9, 2015. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) cut its forecast for Albanian economic growth in 2015 to 2.7%, from 3% previously. Albania's central bank governor Gent Sejko and Prime Minister Edi Rama have pledged to strengthen efforts to tackle the issue of bad loans. Albania has been removed from a watchlist by the Council of Europe’s monitoring body, MONEYVAL. Albania started a roadshow at end-September on the possible issue of €300mn-€500mn Eurobond, which will only take place if conditions are suitable. Albanian opposition tries to reopen CEZ dispute. Albania hails success on war on drugs, but will it be enough? Key points: • Albania's economy grew by an annual 2.53% in the second quarter of 2015 • The CPI inflation accelerates to 2.2% y/y in September • The number of arrivals of foreign citizens in Albania soared by 19.4% in Q2 • Consolidated budget gap plunged 47.4% y/y in the first eight months of 2015 • Albania's current account gap narrowed by 43% y/y to €181mn in Q2 • Commercial banks' loan portfolio shrank 1.1% y/y at the end of August