The European Union and the Albanian government reviewed progress on reforms and investments during annual monitoring meetings in Tirana.
Officials assessed achievements. They discussed challenges. They also set priorities for the coming year.
The meetings focused on the Reform and Growth Facility (RGF) and the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA). Both support Albania’s path toward EU membership.
The RGF committee examined reforms in five key areas. These included the business environment, human capital, energy, digital transformation, infrastructure, and the rule of law.
The reform agenda aims to boost competitiveness. It also helps Albania prepare for the EU Single Market and brings benefits to citizens before accession.
Since 2024, Albania has completed 33 reform steps. As a result, the EU has disbursed €213 million from a total package of €922 million.
Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to reforms. She said the next report, due in July, will be a key test of Albania’s administrative capacity.
She stressed that Albania is building a reputation as a reliable and high-performing EU partner. Sigrid Brettel praised Albania’s strong performance. She encouraged authorities to maintain the pace of reforms.
She also noted that the European Commission plans to provide additional funding to the best-performing countries in the Western Balkans.
The Commission underlined the importance of keeping reform momentum. It said continued progress is essential for future funding and EU accession.
The IPA monitoring committee reviewed around 150 EU-funded projects currently under implementation.
Since 2007, the EU has provided more than €1.9 billion in grants to Albania. Together with other investment programs, this support has generated about €4.7 billion in investments.
The Commission welcomed new projects in anti-corruption, environmental protection, local governance, and food safety.
In addition, the EU approved €100 million under the 2025–2027 IPA program. The funding will support reforms in justice, human rights, good governance, and the rule of law.
Finally, participants called for faster implementation of major programs worth around €130 million. These projects focus on digital transformation, energy efficiency, and youth employment.
They also highlighted the need to strengthen administrative capacity, improve project coordination, and reinforce financial control systems.
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