Economy
The big picture

Albania to centralize waste management under a national operator from 2026
The Albanian Government will send to Parliament for approval in the first week of September a draft law that transforms the current waste management agency into a state-owned joint-stock company...

Bashtova Castle reopens as modern cultural and tourism hub after EU-funded restoration
Bashtova Castle, a 15th–16th century fortress and one of Albania’s most important heritage sites, has officially reopened after an extensive restoration funded by the European Union through the €40 million...

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...