Major bridge opens on Albania-Kosovo highway
One of the largest bridges in the Balkans, part of the highway connecting Albania with Kosovo and known as the Nation’s Road, has been completed and is now open for vehicle traffic. The grand bridge over the Drin River is a significant architectural feat designed by renowned Italian architect Giorgio Rizzo.
Why is this important: The New Bridge provides a solution to an old traffic bottleneck linking the two sides of the lake with the national road, replacing the old bridge and significantly easing traffic flow in the area. Initially started in 2007 by the government of the Democratic Party, many large-scale projects, including this bridge, were not completed, leading authorities to reroute traffic to the old bridge, built 45 years earlier.
Context: The construction of the bridge took four years and involved an investment of 40 million euros. The bridge not only features remarkable engineering and aesthetic dimensions but also boasts a unique construction technique. It was entirely assembled offsite and then moved into place by floating, making it one of the most unusual in Europe. It does not have piers but is a single structure connected to two concrete bases on the lake shores, with its entire length made of a metallic structure featuring a large arch without intermediate supports.
Go deeper
Albania joins SEPA
Published on November 22, 2024
Why does it matter: Albania’s SEPA membership is going to eliminate cross-border transaction fees for payments in euros. Businesses and individuals can now make and receive euro payments with the same convenience and cost as within the EU, a leap forward in fostering economic ties with Europe. Albania’s inclusion in SEPA offers significant financial savings for residents, tourists, and the diaspora by eliminating fees on euro transactions, reducing remittance costs, and streamlining cross-border payments for greater convenience and affordability.
Albanian Parliament passes historic €8.2 billion budget for 2025 amid opposition protests
Published on November 20, 2024
Why is this important: This is the 11th budget crafted by the Socialist Party during their three governing terms, marking a significant milestone in fiscal planning. The opposition, however, criticized the budget, claiming it neglects pension and wage increases and offers insufficient support to vulnerable groups.
Albania strengthens energy sector through strategic partnerships with Azerbaijan and the UAE
Published on November 19, 2024
Why does it matter: These agreements are crucial for Albania’s energy diversification and sustainability goals. By collaborating with SOCAR, Albania seeks to introduce natural gas infrastructure to the city of Korca, as a way of enhancing energy security and lowering energy costs. The partnership with Masdar aligns with global trends toward renewable energy, positioning Albania as a proactive participant in the transition to sustainable energy solutions.