Reform Agenda & Growth Plan


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Reform and Growth Facility
Republic of Albania · National Reform Agenda 2024–2027

Reform and Growth Facility

National Reform Agenda 2024–2027 · Growth Plan for the Western Balkans

Updated: May 2026

The Reform and Growth Facility (RGF) is the European Union’s main financial instrument for the Western Balkans, established under Regulation (EU) 2024/1449, which entered into force on 25 May 2024. With a financial package of €6 billion for six beneficiaries over the period 2024–2027, this instrument constitutes the central pillar of the EU Growth Plan for the region. For the Republic of Albania, the Facility envisages a total portfolio of €922.1 million, distributed across budget support, investment grants and concessional loans. The National Reform Agenda 2024–2027 defines 143 reform measures, structured across five key policy areas, the fulfilment of which directly conditions the disbursement of funds.

Source: European Commission — Reform and Growth Facility · European External Action Service (EEAS)

€922.1MTotal portfolio
143Reform measures
€212.8MDisbursed as of May 2026

How the Facility works

The Reform and Growth Facility operates on the principle of conditionality — EU financial support is disbursed only upon verification of the actual fulfilment of agreed reform measures. Each beneficiary drafts a Reform Agenda, which is assessed by the European Commission and approved following a positive opinion by the Council of the EU. Reforms are divided into quantitative and qualitative steps (payment conditions), each with a defined implementation deadline and verification sources.

Financing is delivered through three channels: direct budget support (loans credited to the state treasury), investment grants through the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF), and concessional loans for infrastructure projects. At least 50% of the total amount is directed toward investments. Payments are made twice a year, following full verification by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations (DG ENEST).

1
Reform
Ministries and institutions implement measures according to semi-annual deadlines
→
2
Evidence
Documentation through legal acts, technical reports, and statistics
→
3
Assessment
DG ENEST verifies the fulfillment of each reform step
→
4
Disbursement
The Commission adopts the Implementing Decision, funds are released

Horizontal preconditions: respect for democratic principles, including parliamentary pluralism, free elections, judicial independence. General conditions: macro-fiscal stability, sound public financial management, budgetary transparency.

Key policy areas of the Reform Agenda

The National Reform Agenda 2024–2027 is structured across five policy areas, each with specific objectives, reform measures with semi-annual deadlines, proportional financial allocations, identified beneficiaries and responsible institutions for implementation. The areas are presented below, together with the financial allocation, key beneficiaries and lead institutions.

Area I
Improving the business environment
€209.1 million
Improving the business regulatory framework, strengthening competition, facilitating access to finance for SMEs, and deepening integration into the regional market.
Beneficiaries: Entrepreneurs, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), foreign and domestic investors, exporters.
Lead institutions: Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Economy and Innovation, Agency for Startup Development, Albanian State Cadastre Agency and MAPA.

Area II
Human capital
€189.5 million
Reform of pre-university and vocational education, improvement of healthcare services, increasing employability, strengthening social protection and inclusion.
Beneficiaries: Students, youth, workers, pensioners, patients, vulnerable groups.
Lead institutions: Ministry of Education, Ministry of Economy and Innovation, Ministry of Finance.

Area III
Digital
€127.9 million
Development of digital infrastructure, expansion of e-government services, strengthening cybersecurity, broadband internet expansion in rural areas.
Beneficiaries: Citizens (online public services), businesses (digital infrastructure), rural area residents.
Lead institutions: National Agency for Information Society (AKSHI), Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy (MIE), AKCESK.

Area IV
Energy / Green transition
€127.9 million
Development of renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, modernisation of transport infrastructure, strengthening environmental protection.
Beneficiaries: Households (cheaper and cleaner energy), travellers (modern transport), local communities.
Lead institutions: Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy, Ministry of Environment.

Area V
Rule of law and fundamental rights
€267.8 million — highest allocation
Deepening the justice reform, strengthening the fight against corruption and organised crime, protecting fundamental rights, media freedom, strengthening civil society.
Beneficiaries: Every citizen — swift and impartial justice, trustworthy institutions, protection of rights.
Lead institutions: Ministry of Justice and Independent Judicial Bodies, Ministry of Interior, Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, FINT, MAPA.

Financial overview

Albania’s financial portfolio under the Reform and Growth Facility amounts to €922.1 million, structured across three financing channels: direct budget support (€429 million), investment grants through the Western Balkans Investment Framework — WBIF (€265 million), and concessional loans for infrastructure projects — WBIF (€228 million).

As of May 2026, Albania has secured three disbursement rounds with a cumulative value of €212.8 million — positioning itself as the top performer in the region. Pre-financing was enabled following the ratification of the bilateral agreement (Law 19/2025) and the submission of the Communication Plan, while the first disbursement was based on the European Commission’s positive assessment of 21 reform steps.

On 20 May 2026, the European Commission published the second assessment report, confirming the fulfilment of 12 out of 21 reported steps (57%), as well as 2 measures from the grace period of the first report. The total disbursed reaches €212.8 million — the highest in the Western Balkans. From the second disbursement (€49M): €22.8M goes directly to the state budget and €26.2M through WBIF for investments.

Disbursed: €212.8M out of €922.1M total (23.1%)
€922.1M
Total disbursed
€212.8 million
Cumulative value of pre-financing and two reform disbursements. Albania ranks first in the region.
1. Pre-financing — March 2025
€64.5 million
7% of total portfolio, following fulfilment of procedural conditions (ratification + Communication Plan).
2. First disbursement — October 2025
€99.3 million
Budget support: €46.2M · WBIF: €53.1M
3. Second disbursement — May 2026
€49 million
Direct budget support: €22.8M · WBIF (grants + investments): €26.2M — 12 steps confirmed by EC (57%).
4. Third report — June 2026
In preparation
Value to be updated upon EC approval.
5. Fourth report — December 2026
Pending
Value to be updated upon EC approval.
6. Fifth report — June 2027
Pending
Value to be updated upon EC approval.
7. Sixth report — December 2027
Pending
Value to be updated upon EC approval.

(+) Portfolio breakdown by policy areas and reporting periods

The table below presents the distribution of the total portfolio of €922.1 million across the five policy areas and seven semi-annual reporting periods (2024–2027). Note: Values represent the planned allocation (full portfolio), not only the amounts disbursed. As of May 2026, €212.8 million have been actually disbursed (pre-financing + two reform disbursements).

Area Dec ’24 Jun ’25 Dec ’25 Jun ’26 Dec ’26 Jun ’27 Dec ’27 Total
I — Business 18.1 37.6 36.1 24.1 48.1 30.1 15.0 209.1
II — Human capital 3.0 9.0 25.6 31.6 48.1 63.2 9.0 189.5
III — Digital 9.0 9.0 34.6 18.1 39.1 9.0 9.0 127.9
IV — Energy 24.1 24.1 33.1 7.5 3.0 36.1 0.0 127.9
V — Rule of law 22.6 48.1 22.6 19.6 75.2 46.6 33.1 267.8
Total 76.7 127.9 151.9 100.8 213.6 185.0 66.2 922.1

Values in million euros (€M). Breakdown: direct budget support (€429M), WBIF investment grants (€265M), WBIF concessional loans (€228M). Source: SASPAC, based on the National Reform Agenda 2024–2027.

Reporting progress to the European Commission

62
Steps reported
33
Confirmed by EC
€212.8M
Disbursed
2
Reports



March 2025 — Pre-financing disbursement

The pre-financing request was submitted on 16 December 2024, following the ratification of the Facility Agreement through Law No. 19/2025 and the submission of the Communication Plan to the European Commission. The assessment was positive — 7% of the total portfolio was disbursed.

€64.5M disbursedEC assessment: positive

(+) Reporting documents (5)

Legal and procedural basis
Law No. 19/2025 — Ratification of the Facility Agreement
The legal act ratifying the bilateral Albania–EU agreement; enabled the release of pre-financing and the opening of the periodic reporting process.

↓ Download

Law No. 18/2025 — Ratification of the Loan Agreement
The Albania–EU loan agreement (Bank of Albania as agent), the financial basis of the budget support component.

↓ Download

Communication Plan
The second procedural condition for pre-financing; defines public, media and civil society information on reforms and funds.

↓ Download

Request and assessment
Pre-financing request (16 December 2024)
Official request submitted to the European Commission for the release of the pre-financing tranche (7% of the portfolio).

⏳ Pending

EC assessment for pre-financing
The European Commission’s confirmation of fulfilment of procedural conditions and approval of the €64.5M disbursement.

⏳ Pending

July 2025 — First report — 41 steps reported

The period covered the entry into force of the Facility through June 2025. Albania reported 41 reform steps. The national assessment identified 38 as fulfilled. The European Commission confirmed fulfilment of 21 steps (51% of total). The Implementing Decision was adopted on 8 October 2025.

€99.3M portfolio
Budget: €46.2M
WBIF: €53.1M
EC: 21/41 confirmed

(+) Reporting documents (43)
Request, assurance and reporting (RGF) (4)
Kërkesa për disbursim — 15 July 2025
Official request submitted to the European Commission for the disbursement tranche following the first report.

↓ Download

Declaration of Assurance — RGF
Assurance declaration for the period December 2024–June 2025, on the regularity of fund use.

↓ Download

Audit summary and internal control — RGF 2024
Summary of audits and assessment of internal control systems under RGF for 2024.

↓ Download

RGF/WBGF Annual Report — 2024
Annual report of the Reform and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans, year 2024.

↓ Download

General conditions (macro-fiscal and PFM) (4)
Macroeconomic stability and fiscal policies — 2025
Evidence of maintained macro-fiscal stability, a general condition for disbursement.

↓ Download

Public Financial Management (PFM) monitoring report — 2023
Annual monitoring report on public financial management, year 2023.

↓ Download

Budget transparency report — 2024
Budget transparency report for 2024.

↓ Download

Budget transparency report — 2024 (EN)
English version of the 2024 budget transparency report.

↓ Download

Area I — Improving the business environment (9)
1.1.1 — Medium-Term Revenue Strategy (MTRS) and Action Plan 2024–2027
Adopted by CMD No. 847, 26.12.2024 — verification source for domestic revenue mobilisation.

↓ Download

1.1.1 — Tax expenditure assessment and third-party data (MTRS)
Step 2 of measure 1.1.1 — tax expenditure assessment under the MTRS 2024–2027.

↓ Download

1.1.2 — Digitalisation Roadmap of the State Cadastre Agency 2025–2028
Adopted by Order No. 710, 09.06.2025 — transparency and efficiency of cadastral services.

↓ Download

1.1.3 — Draft Law on Concessions and PPP
Adopted by CMD No. 359, 30.06.2025 — alignment with EU acquis on concessions.

↓ Download

1.1.3 — Decision No. 363/2025 — Supervisory boards of SOEs
Amendments to CMD 570/2018 for open and meritocratic appointment of SOE board members.

↓ Download

1.1.4 — Legal amendments to facilitate administrative procedures for businesses
Step 2 of measure 1.1.4 — improving the business environment through administrative simplification.

↓ Download

1.1.5 — Decision No. 360/2025 — Accession to the CMR Convention additional protocol (eCMR)
Electronic consignment note eCMR — alignment with electronic freight transport.

↓ Download

1.1.5 — Inter-institutional working group for harmonisation with Regulation (EU) 2020/1056 (eFTI)
Establishment of the working group for electronic freight transport information.

↓ Download

1.1.6 — Law on Animal Health and Law on Plant Health
Step 2 of measure 1.1.6 — full alignment with EU acquis.

↓ Download

Area III — Digital (5)
3.1.2 — Decision No. 364/2025 — List of critical information infrastructures (NIS2)
Alignment with the NIS2 Directive on cyber resilience.

↓ Download

3.1.3 — Measures for 5G network security (EU 5G Cybersecurity Toolbox)
Step 2 of measure 3.1.3 — regulatory and institutional measures for 5G security.

↓ Download

3.2.1 — National Strategy for Innovative Entrepreneurship 2024–2030 and Action Plan
Adopted by CMD No. 860, 26.12.2024 — enabling environment for innovative businesses.

↓ Download

3.2.1 — GRANT2025 grant scheme for innovative startups and SMEs
Step 1 of measure 3.2.1 — focus on green and digital transition.

↓ Download

3.2.1 — Implementation of the GRANT2025 scheme for startups and SMEs
Step 2 of measure 3.2.1 — implementation of the scheme focusing on green and digital solutions.

↓ Download

Area IV — Energy / Green transition (10)
4.1.1 — Legal amendments for alignment with the EU electricity market integration package
Measure 4.1.1 — alignment of the electricity sector with Energy Community requirements.

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4.1.1 — Operationalisation of the intraday market (IDM) and regional integration
Step 2 of measure 4.1.1 — electricity intraday market and integration with the regional market.

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4.1.2 — Action plan for gradual deregulation of the electricity retail market
Adopted by Order No. 322, 30.12.2024 — medium and high voltage customers.

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4.2.1 — Three-year renewable energy auction plan 2025–2027
Adopted by Order No. 321, 30.12.2024 — at least 600 MW of new capacity.

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4.2.2 — Law No. 46/2025 — On biofuels and other renewable fuels
Alignment with the Renewable Energy Directive for transport.

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4.2.2 — Guarantees of origin system for renewable energy
Adopted by ERE Decision No. 300, 30.12.2024 — issuance, transfer and cancellation of guarantees.

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4.2.2 — Simplification of permitting procedures for renewable energy projects
Step 3 of measure 4.2.2 — regulatory amendments for permits and self-producers.

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4.4.1 — Long-term strategy for the renovation of the building stock
Adopted by CMD No. 125, 28.02.2025 — energy efficiency of buildings.

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4.4.1 — Law No. 52/2024 — On the labelling of energy-related products
Alignment with EU legislation on energy labelling.

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4.4.1 — Law No. 37/2025 — On the energy performance of buildings
Legal framework for the energy performance of buildings.

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Area V — Rule of law (11)
5.1.1 — Law No. 44/2025 — On the Asset Recovery Office (ARO)
Establishment and operationalisation of the Asset Recovery Office.

↓ Download

5.2.1 — National Early Warning System for new psychoactive substances (NEWS)
Step 3 of measure 5.2.1 — operationalisation of the NEWS system.

↓ Download

5.3.1 — National Strategy against Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing 2024–2030
Strategy and Action Plan for AML/CFT.

↓ Download

5.4.1 — Criminal prosecution of vetting cases with suspected criminal elements
Step 1 of measure 5.4.1 — prosecution of cases referred from the vetting process.

↓ Download

5.4.1 — Referral of vetting cases to prosecution
Step 1 of measure 5.4.1 — referral of cases with suspected criminal elements.

↓ Download

5.4.2 — Roadmap for judicial system efficiency 2025–2027
Step 1 of measure 5.4.2 — reducing the backlog of pending court cases.

↓ Download

5.4.2 — Instruction No. 2/2025 — National justice system statistics
Methodology for the collection of national justice system statistical data.

↓ Download

5.5.1 — Transparency through Transparent Albania and asset declarations (EACIDS)
Step 1 of measure 5.5.1 — open data platform and publication of asset declarations.

↓ Download

5.6.1 — State Police guidelines for the safety of journalists
Step 1 of measure 5.6.1 — contact point for cases of attacks on journalists.

↓ Download

5.6.1 — Transparency of audiovisual media ownership (AMA Regulation)
Ownership structure and publication of beneficial owners.

↓ Download

5.7.1 — Visa policy alignment (termination of visa-free regimes)
Step 3 of measure 5.7.1 — termination of visa-free regimes with Belarus and Bahrain.

↓ Download

15 January 2026 — Second report — EC Assessment Albania, Second Reporting Package

Albania submitted the second official report on 15 January 2026 under the Reform and Growth Facility (pursuant to Article 14 of the Facility Agreement). The report covers 19 steps with a December 2025 deadline and 2 steps from the grace period of the first report.

Total assessed value: €97,774,197. After applying the 7% pre-financing deduction, the disbursement requested amounts to €90,930,003 — of which €42,304,333 in direct budget support and €48,605,670 through WBIF (€22,529,894 in loans and €26,095,776 in grants).

On 20 May 2026, the European Commission published the second assessment report confirming fulfilment of 12 out of 21 steps (57%) and 2 grace period measures, for a total benefit of €49 million. Steps with a December 2025 deadline enjoy a grace period until December 2026.

19 steps Dec ’25
2 grace period
Buxhetore: €22.8M
WBIF: €26.2M
EC: 12/21 confirmed (57%)
✓ €49M disbursed
(+) Reporting documents (28)
Request, assurance and reporting (RGF) (8)
Letter No. 137, 15.01.2026 — Request for disbursement of RGF funds
Official second reporting request submitted to the European Commission.

↓ Download

Letter No. 138, 15.01.2026 — Declaration of Assurance
Assurance declaration for the second reporting period December 2025.

↓ Download

Summary audit report — second half of 2025 (RGF)
Internal audit report for the period July–December 2025.

↓ Download

Annual Report 2024 — RGF Instrument
Annual implementation report of the Reform and Growth Facility, year 2024.

↓ Download

Budget transparency report — 2024
Updated budget transparency report for 2024, a general condition for disbursement.

↓ Download

Annual Report 2025 — Implementation of the RGF Reform Agenda
Albania’s 2025 annual report on the implementation of the Reform Agenda.

↓ Download

EC Letter — Disbursement decision (December 2025 assessment)
European Commission confirmation of disbursement following the second report assessment.

↓ Download

Implementing Decision C(2026)3166 — Final assessment of reform steps (Annex I)
Official EC Decision confirming 12 steps and approving the second disbursement (€49M).

↓ Download

Area I — Improving the business environment (8)
1.1.2 — Integrity Plan of the State Cadastre Agency 2025–2027
Step 5 of measure 1.1.2 — integrity plan for transparent cadastral services.

↓ Download

1.1.3 — Law No. 88/2025 on Concessions and PPP (EU acquis)
Step 1 of measure 1.1.3 — new legal framework for concessions and PPP.

↓ Download

1.1.3 — Integration of PPP projects into the national project list (NSPP)
Step 3 of measure 1.1.3 — transparency of the PPP project portfolio.

↓ Download

1.1.4 — B2G Reporting Roadmap (Business-to-Government)
Step 4 of measure 1.1.4 — reducing the administrative burden on business reporting.

↓ Download

1.1.4 — Action Plan for improving Albania’s ranking in the OECD SME Policy Index
Step 5 of measure 1.1.4 — measures to improve the SME policy assessment.

↓ Download

1.1.5 — Ratification of the CMR Protocol for the electronic consignment note (eCMR)
Step 2 of measure 1.1.5 — international transport with electronic documentation.

↓ Download

1.1.6 — Action Plan for Green Lanes and trade and transport facilitation
Step 1 of measure 1.1.6 — regional green trade corridors.

↓ Download

1.1.6 — National Programme for Export Promotion 2026–2030
Step 1 of measure 1.1.6 — export strategy for business internationalisation.

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Area II — Human capital (2)
2.1.2 — Professional development programmes for teachers (STEM curriculum)
Measure 2.1.2 — teacher training for the updated curriculum and STEM approach.

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2.1.3 — Alignment of higher education quality assurance with ESG 2015 standards
Measure 2.1.3 — convergence with the European Higher Education Area.

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Area III — Digital (5)
3.1.1 — Albania’s inclusion in the EU trusted list for electronic signatures
Measure 3.1.1 — recognition of Albanian electronic signatures (eIDAS).

↓ Download

3.1.2 — National CVD framework — cybersecurity crisis management (NIS2)
Measure 3.1.2 — coordinated vulnerability disclosure in line with NIS2.

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3.1.2 — Operationalisation of national and governmental CERT/CSIRT teams (NIS2)
Measure 3.1.2 — operational cybersecurity incident response teams.

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3.2.1 — Legal framework for innovation support instruments (EU practices)
Measure 3.2.1 — harmonisation with the European framework for innovation financing.

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3.2.1 — Grant scheme for incubators and accelerators (green and digital innovation)
Measure 3.2.1 — financial support for the innovation ecosystem.

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Area IV — Energy / Green transition (2)
4.1.1 — Integration with the EU energy market — Day-Ahead Market Coupling
Step 3 of measure 4.1.1 — day-ahead market coupling towards energy integration.

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4.1.2 — Deregulation of the electricity retail market (10kV and 6kV customers)
Step 1 of measure 4.1.2 — liberalisation for industrial consumers.

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Area V — Rule of law (3)
5.1.1 — Application for membership in the CARIN network of Asset Recovery Offices (ARO)
Measure 5.1.1 — international cooperation for asset recovery.

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5.4.2 — New infrastructure for the Court of Appeal (2022 judicial map)
Measure 5.4.2 — physical infrastructure as a condition for judicial efficiency.

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5.7.1 — Alignment of visa policy with EU standards
Measure 5.7.1 — full harmonisation with the EU visa list.

↓ Download

June 2026 — Third report — in preparation

Up to 27 steps expected: 17 new measures with a June 2026 deadline and 10 measures from the grace period. Coordination has intensified with weekly technical meetings and monthly reporting to the EU Delegation.

17 new steps
10 grace period

Albania’s progress in the Reform and Growth Facility

The table below presents Albania’s progress through all stages of the Facility: approval of the Agenda, ratification of the agreement, pre-financing, and six semi-annual disbursement rounds by reporting period (2024–2027).

Country Agenda Ratification Pre-fin.
7%		 DISBURSEMENTS BY REPORTING PERIOD (6 semi-annual rounds) Total
disb.
I
Dec ’24–Jun ’25		 II
Dec ’25		 III
Jun ’26		 IV
Dec ’26		 V
Jun ’27		 VI
Dec ’27
Albania Oct ’24 Feb ’25 Mar ’25
€64.5M		 Oct ’25
€99.3M		 May ’26
€49M		 — — — — €212.8M

Data as of May 2026. Disbursuar · Në pritje/përgatitje · — I pa realizuar. Periudhat e raportimit korrespondojnë me afatet gjashtëmujore të Rregullores (BE) 2024/1449.

Top performer in the region

Sipas vlerësimit të Komisionit Evropian (maj 2026), Albania renditet e para ndër gjashtë vendet përfituese me €212.8 milionë të disbursuara — e ndjekur nga Maqedonia e Veriut me €142.1M dhe Mali i Zi me €89.3M.

Legal framework

Implementation of the Facility was enabled through four key normative steps, which established the legal, institutional and procedural foundation.

1Approval of the National Reform Agenda 2024–2027
Council of Ministers Decision No. 621, dated 10.10.2024 — Download document
143 reform measures across five policy areas, with semi-annual deadlines and measurable indicators. Drafted in consultation with the European Commission.
2Ratification of the Facility Agreement
Law No. 19/2025 — Official Publications Centre
The Albanian Parliament ratified the bilateral agreement between Albania and the European Union. Ratification enabled the release of pre-financing and the opening of the periodic reporting process.
3Ratification of the Loan Agreement
Law No. 18/2025 — Download (PDF)
The Albanian Parliament ratified the Loan Agreement between the Republic of Albania (as borrower), the Bank of Albania (as agent), and the European Union represented by the European Commission (as lender). Adopted on 13 March 2025, promulgated by Decree No. 99, dated 17 March 2025.
4Determination of roles and coordination structures
Council of Ministers Decision No. 252, dated 02.05.2025 — Official Gazette No. 77/2025 | Download CMD
Established the National Coordinator, the roles of reporting ministries, the function of the Ministry of Finance, the Monitoring Committee and AKSHI (REGFIS module).

Useful links

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