Albania has achieved noteworthy advancements in its Reform and Growth Agenda per the EU Growth Plan, successfully completing 21 out of 41 planned reform measures (51%) from December 2024 to June 2025. This success has prompted the European Commission to release 99.3 million euros through the Instrument for Reform and Growth, marking Albania as the top performer in the region during this reporting period.
The funding announcement by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during her recent visit to Tirana highlights Albania’s commitment to sustainable structural reforms in crucial sectors such as energy, digitalization, competitiveness, sustainable development, and economic integration.
The allocated funds are aimed at further boosting Albania’s economic growth and enhancing public institutions. Specifically, 46.2 million euros are designated as a direct loan to the Treasury for reform implementation, while 54.1 million euros (including 28.5 million euros in grants and 24.6 million euros in loans) will be funneled through the EU Investment Framework for the Western Balkans (WBIF) to support infrastructure projects.
“The EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans is showing positive results in Albania. The country is making consistent progress through the Reform and Growth Agenda, and the EU is reciprocating. This new allocation of 100 million euros corresponds with Albania’s reform efforts that provide real benefits to its citizens. Other initiatives from the Growth Plan are also producing outcomes: Albania’s banking sector has adopted SEPA standards, lowering transaction costs for citizens, and next year, we will finalize free Wi-Fi access in all municipalities and remove roaming charges between the EU and Albania,” stated EU ambassador to Albania Silvio Gonzato.
“The initial results from the Instrument for Reform and Growth are key indicators of the practical implementation of the new EU mechanism in Albania. They showcase advancements in planning, reporting, and operational capabilities, enhanced institutional transparency, and improved cooperation between Albanian institutions and the European Commission—vital components of Albania’s EU membership journey,” said Eridana Cano, National Coordinator of the Instrument for Reform and Growth in Albania.
The Instrument for Reform and Growth follows a six-month reporting cycle, with Albania set to present its next report in early 2026, detailing the reforms enacted between June and December 2025. The European Commission will evaluate the progress, and fully met measures will be considered for the subsequent disbursement under the Instrument, scheduled for the spring of next year.
The EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans is a 2023 initiative by the European Commission aimed at accelerating the economic alignment of the region with the European Union and providing the advantages of European integration to citizens prior to membership. (October 24)
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