The European Union and the Albanian Government convened the inaugural meeting of the Monitoring Commission for the Instrument for Reform and Growth in Tirana, a vital component of the EU’s Growth Plan for the Western Balkans. The agenda centered on Albania’s reform implementation aimed at aligning with EU standards and unlocking investment opportunities totaling up to 922 million euros, delivering concrete benefits to citizens prior to EU membership.
The meeting was co-chaired by Sigrid Brettel, Head of Unit at the Directorate-General for Enlargement and Neighbourhood Policy of the European Commission, and Eridana Çano, Albania’s National Coordinator for the Instrument for Reform and Growth and General Director of the State Agency for Strategic Programming and Aid Coordination.
Participants included representatives from independent institutions, civil society, academia, international financial institutions from the private sector, and the diplomatic community.
Albania’s Reform Agenda is intricately tied to the EU membership process, designed to provide early membership advantages, enhance integration into the EU Single Market, and foster regional collaboration.
Significant achievements in reform unlock EU financial assistance through the Instrument for Reform and Growth, which, in conjunction with pre-accession IPA funds, will further facilitate Albania’s integration trajectory.
The Commission evaluated Albania’s progress from July 2024 to June 2025, currently under review by the European Commission, with a comprehensive assessment anticipated in October. Should Albania meet all reform criteria, it could receive a new grant from the Commission, following an initial allocation of 64.5 million euros.
Brettel commended the Albanian administration’s efforts at all levels to meet reform goals. “Now is the moment for Albania to intensify reform implementation. By showcasing its capacity to plan, execute, monitor, and achieve results, Albania demonstrates it can manage complex EU financial instruments on its future journey,” she stated.
Çano highlighted that the Instrument for Reform and Growth transcends mere financial aid; it embodies a new governance model grounded in cooperation, transparency, accountability, and dialogue.
“This process has been transformative. It engaged the entire government, involved parliament, independent institutions, and stakeholders, testing our systems under pressure. It revealed both strengths and areas for improvement. Most importantly, it showcased Albania’s ability to implement reforms timely, transparently, and in alignment with EU standards,” she remarked.
Participants assessed reforms in five priority areas of Albania’s national agenda: enhancing the business climate, developing human capital, advancing in energy, digital innovation, infrastructure, and reinforcing the judiciary and rule of law. Discussions also focused on how these reforms can yield tangible benefits for citizens and businesses.
The government detailed the monitoring and auditing frameworks established to ensure effective and transparent fund management, alongside plans to enhance communication with the public.
Participants reiterated their strong commitment to the success of the Reform Agenda and emphasized the importance of accelerating reforms and investments to propel Albania towards EU membership.
The EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans seeks to provide Albania and neighboring countries with early membership benefits, such as access to the European Single Market and integration with the regional common market, by advancing essential reforms.
Through the Instrument for Reform and Growth, Albania stands to secure up to 922 million euros in loans and grants, contingent on the successful implementation of its Reform Agenda.
These reforms tackle Albania’s critical challenges: combating corruption and organized crime, reducing economic informality, strengthening the judiciary, enhancing education and skills, modernizing infrastructure, and facilitating energy and digital transitions.
The EU Growth Plan for Albania is a core element of the broader EU integration process and ongoing EU membership negotiations. (September 26)
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