Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja presented Albania’s National Culture Strategy 2026–2030 and outlined major reforms to strengthen the cultural sector.
According to Gonxhja, the strategy is the result of months of consultations and discussions with stakeholders across the country.
Furthermore, the government is preparing several reforms, including new legislation on donations and sponsorships for culture, arts and sports, a new audiovisual and cinematography law, and revisions to the law on arts and culture.
In addition, authorities are working to establish a National Arts Fund and a Cultural Heritage Care Fund. A new support mechanism financed through gambling revenues will also help fund cultural, social and sports projects.
Moreover, the minister emphasized that culture should be accessible throughout the country, not only in major urban centers. The strategy aims to create more opportunities for artists and strengthen cultural institutions.
At the same time, the government sees culture as a driver of economic development. Cultural tourism, local economies and community participation will play a greater role in preserving and promoting cultural heritage.
A key target of the strategy is increasing public investment in culture. Currently, Albania allocates around 0.3–0.5% of GDP to culture and recreation, compared with the European Union average of about 1.2%.
Therefore, the government has committed to doubling current funding levels by 2030 and reaching 0.8% of GDP. According to Gonxhja, this investment could generate an estimated €709 million impact on Albania’s cultural economy by the end of the decade.
Finally, he thanked the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, the Santagata Foundation, the Embassy of Italy in Albania and the Italian government for supporting the development of the strategy and Albania’s European integration efforts.
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