Albania Advances Regional Development with EIB Global Backed Investment in Roads Water and Tourism

Albania Advances Regional Development with EIB Global Backed Investment in Roads Water and Tourism

(IN BRIEF) EIB Global is investing over €50 million to support sustainable development in northern Albania, focusing on infrastructure improvements in Shkodër, Lezhë, and Malësi e Madhe. The project aims to upgrade roads, public transport, water systems, and urban spaces while also enhancing tourism and environmental protection. A key feature is the creation of a direct tourism link between the Albanian Alps and the Adriatic coast, enabling year-round travel and boosting regional economic growth. Supported by additional funding and technical assistance, the initiative is expected to bring Albania’s infrastructure closer to EU standards, improve quality of life, and attract new investment.

(PRESS RELEASE) PARIS, 30-Apr-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — EIB Global has committed more than €50 million in financing to support sustainable development initiatives in northern Albania, targeting key municipalities including Shkodër, Lezhë, and Malësi e Madhe. The funding is aimed at improving essential infrastructure and services while strengthening regional connectivity, environmental protection, and economic growth.

The investment will be used by the Albanian government to upgrade a broad range of infrastructure, including regional roads, urban spaces such as boulevards and public squares, public transport systems, water supply networks, and the preservation of natural and cultural heritage sites. These areas are located near Lake Shkodër and other significant tourism assets, making them central to the country’s development strategy.

A major component of the project is the creation of the first direct tourism corridor linking the Albanian Alps with the Adriatic coast. This initiative is expected to enhance accessibility between key destinations and support year-round tourism, strengthening Albania’s appeal as a travel destination while stimulating local economic activity.

Alessandro de Concini, EIB Representative to Albania, emphasised that the investment will help bring the country’s infrastructure closer to European Union standards, improving competitiveness and creating opportunities for businesses, employment, and investment across the region. Over the past three decades, EIB Global has already provided close to €900 million in financing to Albania, supporting a wide range of development projects.

Albanian Minister of Finance Petrit Malaj described the initiative as a major step forward for both economic and territorial development in northern Albania, highlighting its potential to deliver tangible benefits to local communities. The project has a total investment value of approximately €100 million, combining EIB financing with additional contributions.

Minister of Infrastructure and Energy Enea Karakaçi pointed to the broader impact of the “Gate of the Alps” initiative, noting that improvements to transport networks, urban infrastructure, and environmental systems will significantly enhance quality of life. By connecting coastal, lake, and mountainous regions, the project is designed to create an integrated tourism and development corridor that supports both seasonal and year-round economic activity.

In addition to the loan, EIB Global is providing a €1.75 million technical assistance grant to support the preparation and implementation of the investment programme. This funding is delivered through the Economic Resilience Initiative, with execution led by the Albanian Development Fund.

Dritan Agolli, Executive Director of the Albanian Development Fund, highlighted that the programme represents a comprehensive approach to regional transformation, combining investments in infrastructure, urban regeneration, and tourism to drive long-term development and improve living standards for residents in the targeted municipalities.

Background information:

EIB Global

EIB Global is the EIB Group’s specialised arm devoted to increasing the impact of international win-win partnerships and development finance, and a key partner of Team Europe and the Global Gateway strategy. EIB Global brings the EIB Group closer to people, companies and institutions through its offices across the world.

About EIB Global in the Western Balkans:

The EIB is a leading international financier in the Western Balkans. Since 2009, the Bank has financed projects worth almost €13 billion in the region. Alongside its continued support to help rebuild and upgrade public infrastructure, since 2010 the EIB has expanded into many new areas, such as healthcare, research and development, education and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). For detailed information on EIB activities in the Western Balkans, please visit: www.eib.org/en/publications/the-eib-in-the-western-balkans

About EIB Global in Albania:

EIB Global has been active in Albania since 1995. To date, 29 projects have been financed and over €880 million has been invested, predominantly in key transport, energy, water and wastewater infrastructure. For more information about EIB projects in Albania, please visit: Albania and the EIB

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SOURCE: European Investment Bank