Albania secures €64.5 million from EU to boost membership efforts

On March 25, 2025, Albania was awarded 64.5 million euros in pre-financing as part of the EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans. This funding aims to aid Albania's socio-economic convergence with the European Union and facilitate its journey towards EU membership. The announcement was made by the European Union office in Tirana, emphasizing that this allocation will support the implementation of Albania's Reform Agenda and the commitments the country has made concerning it. The pre-financing includes 30 million euros in concessional loans for the state budget to implement reforms in the domestic agenda, while 34.5 million euros will be channeled into the Western Balkans Investment Framework for infrastructure projects. This move is viewed as a sign of the EU's trust in Albania's reform efforts and its progress towards becoming part of the European community. It also highlights the EU's intent to support Albania in areas like the rule of law, infrastructure development, and the growth of the green economy, thereby enhancing human capital and private business. According to EU Ambassador Silvio Gonzato, the support represents a milestone in Albania's efforts towards achieving EU membership and creates economic stability while promoting sustainable growth and social cohesion ahead of integration into the EU single market. The total amount that Albania could receive from the Reform and Growth Mechanism by 2027 may reach 922.1 million euros, contingent upon advancing reforms in critical areas such as rule of law, renewable energy, and digital economy. Future disbursements will rely on progress made towards an established list of reform steps agreed upon by the EU Commission and the Albanian Government's Reform Agenda.