Government to amend “Mountain Package” law after public feedback
Prime Minister Edi Rama announced that the “Mountain Package” law, approved in March, will undergo several amendments aimed at simplifying procedures and eliminating bureaucratic hurdles — a change prompted by feedback from citizens and potential investors.
Why is this important: The Mountain Package was designed to boost agricultural and agrotourism investments in Albania’s mountain regions. For decades, thousands of former property owners have been unable to reclaim ownership due to complex restitution processes dating back to the communist expropriations. The law sought to address this 35-year paradox by allowing investments on inherited lands based on the testimony of neighboring landowners. If no ownership claims exist, municipalities are authorized to facilitate the cadastral registration process, unlocking development potential in these areas.
Context: Despite the law’s ambition, the Prime Minister expressed dissatisfaction with the slow progress of municipalities, urging mayors to speed up the mapping of mountain zones suitable for agrotourism and agricultural investments. According to government data, there are currently around 4,000 expressions of interest from individuals and businesses seeking to benefit from the program.
Rama emphasized that while the government will ease procedures, documentation will still undergo strict verification. He referred to a recent case of document falsification uncovered by the scientific police, which will be referred to the justice system.
The Prime Minister also criticized parts of the judiciary, accusing some judges of “sleeping on files” and leaving in place seizure orders that favor abusers.
What else: Under the revised framework, the first 500 applicants approved through the government’s dedicated platform will benefit from a 10-year tax exemption as part of the Mountain Package’s incentives.
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