Economist Linda Rama has discussed the Western Balkans’ economic transformation, challenges and future opportunities in an interview with “Fortune Greece”.
Rama said the region has experienced major political, social and economic changes since the 1990s. She highlighted progress in macroeconomic management, public finances, digital services and infrastructure.
However, she said the Western Balkans has now reached an intermediate stage of development. Economic growth alone is no longer enough. Productivity, inclusive growth, better-quality growth and continued reforms are becoming increasingly important.
Rama identified population decline, ageing, emigration, labour shortages, limited fiscal space and skills mismatches among the region’s main challenges. At the same time, she pointed to digitalisation, innovation and investment in human capital as key solutions.
She also stressed the importance of technology diffusion. The region does not need to become a global technology pioneer, she said. Instead, it should focus on adopting and adapting existing technologies and spreading them across thousands of businesses.
Regarding Albania, Rama highlighted the rapid expansion of digital public services. She said online services increased from just 14 in 2013 to 1,275 today through the e-Albania platform, making services more accessible to citizens and businesses.
Rama also discussed the region’s talent and brain drain. She said the diaspora should not be seen only as lost human capital. Instead, it can become a strategic asset through investment, mentoring, international networks and knowledge transfer.
She concluded that the Western Balkans can strengthen its role in Europe by building trusted institutions, helping businesses scale, supporting technology adoption and deepening regional cooperation.
“If we can do this,” Rama said, “the Western Balkans can move from being seen as a periphery to becoming an increasingly important part of Europe’s future.”
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