Albania aims to complete the alignment of its environmental legislation with European Union rules by September 2027, as part of negotiations on Chapter 27.
Environment Minister Sofjan Jaupaj said in a television interview that the process covers around 90 EU directives and regulations. Albania must incorporate these rules into around 400 national legal acts.
According to Jaupaj, the process requires more than legislative changes. It also requires new investments, stronger human resources and better monitoring.
“Chapter 27 on the environment includes around 90 directives and regulations covering areas such as chemicals, climate change, environmental protection and nature conservation,” Jaupaj said.
He added that Albania must transpose these rules into around 400 national acts by September next year to achieve full alignment with EU legislation.
Meanwhile, the government continues to implement its waste management reform.
Jaupaj said the reform includes investments across all 10 waste management regions. These investments include regional landfills in Berat and Dibër, as well as projects in Vlora, Delvinë and Bushat.
“The Waste Management Reform remains the main reform that the Ministry of Environment is advancing,” Jaupaj said.
During the year, the ministry transformed and established the National Waste Management Operator. It has also started investments across all 10 waste management regions.
The projects include closing old landfills. Jaupaj pointed to the landfill in Vlora, which has frequently caught fire during the summer. Work to close the landfill began this year.
At the same time, authorities are working to establish regional landfills in Berat and Dibër. They also plan to expand the Delvinë landfill, known as Bajkaj, which serves the southern region.
The ministry will soon launch the third phase of the Bushat landfill project in Shkodër.
Jaupaj said the ministry focuses its investments on final waste management facilities, including landfills and waste treatment plants.
However, waste management remains a major challenge, particularly in coastal areas during the tourist season.
The minister stressed the need to improve waste collection and the quality of services in these areas as Albania continues to welcome growing numbers of visitors.
Through these reforms and investments, Albania aims to strengthen environmental protection while bringing its legislation and waste management system closer to EU standards.
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