Why is this important: The increase in FDI underscores Albania’s growing appeal as a destination for international capital, particularly in sectors like real estate, energy, and financial intermediation. Real estate accounted for 20% of investments, driven by foreign buyers who purchased 27% of homes sold this year, largely in Tirana and coastal areas. Existing investors reinvested €234 million, a 15% year-on-year increase, reflecting confidence in Albania’s market stability. However, a 17% drop in capital injections compared to last year signals the need to diversify investments across more industries.

Why is this important: The conference underscores Albania’s growing leadership in digital governance within the Western Balkans. It highlights the country’s ability to implement cutting-edge technologies that streamline public services, improve transparency, and combat corruption. Albania’s significant progress, particularly during the pandemic, demonstrated how digital platforms like e-Albania have become vital tools for citizen-state interaction.

Why is this important: The European College in Tirana is part of the prestigious network of European colleges headquartered in Bruges, Belgium, with another branch in Poland. This year, the college welcomed its inaugural class of 31 students representing 22 nationalities. According to Rector Federica Mogherini, the completion of the new campus will allow the college to increase its admissions to approximately 120 students annually.

Why is this important: Albania has seen a significant increase in tourist arrivals over the past two years, with Tirana’s Rinas Airport emerging as one of Europe’s fastest-growing airports in passenger numbers. In August alone, Rinas handled 1.2 million tourists. The addition of a second major airport has become a necessity, especially as Vlora Airport is set to handle transoceanic flights, further boosting Albania’s connectivity and tourism sector.

Why is this important: This initiative marks one of the first cases where a public property will be repurposed into a tourism complex managed by a public entity. It also aims to revitalize Bulqiza, a town historically tied to chrome mining and known for its struggling economy due to decades of exploitation by mining companies that failed to reinvest in the area. By creating an economic hub for tourism, Retro Bulqiza 2024 seeks to change the region’s image and boost its economy, providing new opportunities for local residents.