Economy
The big picture

Albania’s businesses turn to foreign workers as immigration ticks up
Albania—long a country of emigration—is beginning to see the reverse flow. Nearly 22,000 foreign nationals held Albanian residence permits in 2024, up 2.2% from 2023, as companies fill labor gaps...

Albania eases bank capital rules to boost infrastructure lending; crisis buffer held at 0.5%
The Bank of Albania has adjusted capital-adequacy rules to give second-tier banks more room to lend to large infrastructure projects—roads, ports and airports—under strict regulatory supervision. The move is designed...

Albania named a 2025 tourism success story as global travel hits records
Global tourism is having a record year—and Albania is among the ten standout destinations of 2025. UNWTO data show international visitors to Albania up 80% this year, cementing the country’s...

EU approves €87.7m Growth Plan package, Albania secures €32m for energy projects
The European Union has cleared a €87.7 million support tranche under the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans Investment Framework. From this first financing phase, Albania will receive €32 million...

Albania’s annual inflation at 2.4% in July, leisure and culture prices lead gains
Albania’s annual inflation, measured by INSTAT using Eurostat methodology, stood at 2.4% in July 2025. The sharpest increase came from “recreation and culture,” up 12%, driven by travel tickets and...

Durrës Archaeological Museum to reopen this fall following major renovation
The National Archaeological Museum of Durrës is set to reopen this fall after undergoing major restoration and modernization works. Why is this important: The project, part of the EU4Culture program...