Green light for “Gateway to the Alps” as economy committee approves European Investment Bank funding for northern infrastructure

TIRANA, May 20 – The Committee on Economy, Employment and Finance has approved a draft law that opens the way for financing one of the most important infrastructure projects in northern Albania, known as “Gateway to the Alps”.

The committee, led by chair Milva Ekonomi, reviewed the financial agreement between the Republic of Albania and the European Investment Bank and sent it for approval in the Plenary Hall.

Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Finance Endrit Yzeiraj presented the main objectives of the investment during the hearing. He said the project targets improved access in northern areas, development of sustainable tourism, stimulation of the local economy and reduction of regional disparities.

MPs focused on the agreement details, implementation phases and the impact of the loan on public finances. In response, Yzeiraj said the financial terms with the European Investment Bank are highly favourable. He pointed to low interest rates and long repayment periods as key elements supporting the investment.

After the discussion, committee members approved the draft law in principle, article by article and in full. The agreement now moves to a final vote in the Plenary Hall of the Albanian Parliament.

/a.p./

The post Green light for “Gateway to the Alps” as economy committee approves European Investment Bank funding for northern infrastructure appeared first on RTSH English.

Original post Here

News
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: July 6, 2026

Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here

News
Turkey at the centre of global diplomacy as Ankara hosts NATO Summit on 7 July, agenda revealed

TIRANA, July 6 – Turkey will host the 36th NATO Summit of Heads of State and Government in Ankara on 7 July. The meeting takes place amid global uncertainty. Ankara last hosted a NATO summit in Istanbul in 2004. Meanwhile, the summit will gather 32 heads of state and government. …

News
Second phase of soft loan scheme opens, applications due by July 31, official says

TIRANA, July 6 – The second phase of the municipal soft loan scheme opened on July 1 after the completion of the first stage, a city official said. He said 2,500 applicants were approved in the first phase out of 4,909 applications. However, he added that several applicants were excluded …