The European Union disbursed €100 million to Albania under the Western Balkans Growth Plan. This follows Albania’s strong results in implementing reforms from the Reform and Growth Agenda.
According to the EU Delegation in Tirana, Albania completed 51% of the planned measures. As a result, the country ranks as the top performer in the region.
“Albania made clear progress in implementing its Reform and Growth Agenda,” the statement said. For example, the country completed 21 out of 41 planned reform measures between December 2024 and June 2025. Consequently, the European Commission released €99.3 million through the Reform and Growth Program. This confirms Albania’s top performance in the region for this period.
President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen announced the payment during her visit to Tirana last week. The funds demonstrate Albania’s steady implementation of structural reforms in key areas. These include energy, digitalization, competitiveness, sustainable development, and economic integration.
EU Ambassador Silvio Gonzato said, “The EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans is producing results in Albania. Moreover, the country moves forward steadily through the Reform and Growth Agenda. In return, the EU responds with matching support. Thus, this €100 million disbursement reflects Albania’s steps to advance reforms that bring real benefits to citizens.”
The program reports progress every six months. Therefore, the next disbursement is expected in spring 2026, based on reforms completed by the end of this year.
From the disbursed funds:
€46.2 million goes as a direct loan to the Treasury for reform work.
€54.1 million (including €28.5 million in grants and €24.6 million in loans) flows through the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) for infrastructure projects.
In addition, Ambassador Gonzato highlighted other achievements. For instance, Albania adopted SEPA standards in the banking system, installed free Wi-Fi in all municipalities, and will end roaming fees with the EU next year.
National Reform Coordinator Eridana Cano said the disbursement shows stronger planning, reporting, and transparency in Albania’s EU integration process.
Furthermore, the Reform and Growth Fund operates on six-month cycles. The next payment will follow the evaluation of progress from July to December 2025.
The EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans started in 2023. Its aim is to speed up economic convergence with the EU. At the same time, it delivers integration benefits before full membership. In particular, it helps Western Balkan economies join the EU Single Market gradually. Also, it funds reforms in energy transition, digitalization, rule of law, competitiveness, and human capital development.