Albania’s economy continued on a stable path of growth and consolidation during the first half of 2026, with fiscal and macroeconomic indicators confirming positive performance.

The statement was made by Finance Minister Petrit Malaj during a joint press conference with the Director General of Customs, Besmir Beja, and the Director General of the Tax Administration, Ilir Binaj, where the fiscal administration results for the first six months of the year were presented.

Malaj said that both government revenues and budget expenditures increased during the period compared to the same period a year earlier, while the economy continued to benefit from rising employment and stronger business activity.

“Albania’s economy grew by 3.7% in the first quarter of 2026, a faster pace than the average growth recorded in both the Western Balkans and the European Union,” the minister said.

According to Malaj, the outlook for the remainder of the year remains positive, with the government forecasting economic growth to reach 4%.

“By the end of 2026, we expect economic growth to reach 4%, driven primarily by the services sector, as well as private and public investment,” he said.

The minister added that the government’s objective is for Albania’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to reach approximately €29 billion by the end of 2026, while its broader target for the current mandate is to expand the economy to a GDP of €35 billion.

According to Malaj, these indicators reflect the resilience of the Albanian economy and provide a solid foundation for continuing policies that support economic growth, investment, and improvements in citizens’ well-being.