EBRD, EU, and EIB Back Electrification of Key Durrës–Rrogozhinë Rail Link

EBRD, EU, and EIB Back Electrification of Key Durrës–Rrogozhinë Rail Link

(IN BRIEF) The EBRD, EIB, and EU have joined forces to finance the reconstruction and electrification of Albania’s Durrës–Rrogozhinë railway, part of Pan-European Corridor VIII. The EBRD’s €30 million sovereign loan, matched by the EIB and backed by €60 million in EU grants, will renew 34 km of track, install overhead electrification, and refurbish stations. This upgrade creates Albania’s first rail connection to North Macedonia, strengthens regional integration, and supports the shift from road to rail to reduce emissions. The project aligns with EU transport and environmental standards and builds on prior EBRD-funded rail lines in Albania.

(PRESS RELEASE) LONDON, 6-Aug-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), in concert with the European Investment Bank (EIB) and backing from the European Union, is advancing Albania’s rail modernisation by financing the reconstruction and electrification of the 34 km Durrës–Rrogozhinë railway—part of Pan-European Corridor VIII. The EBRD will provide a sovereign loan of up to €30 million to Hekurudha Shqiptare, matching the EIB’s €30 million loan and complemented by €60 million in EU investment and technical-assistance grants via the Western Balkans Investment Framework.

This strategic upgrade encompasses track renewal, overhead electrification, and station building rehabilitation between the Adriatic port city of Durrës and Rrogozhinë in central Albania. It will establish Albania’s first rail link to North Macedonia, bolster regional integration, and align national infrastructure with EU transport and environmental standards.

“This investment demonstrates our steadfast commitment to creating a modern, sustainable rail network in Albania,” said Donald Mishaxhiu, EBRD Regional Head of Infrastructure for the Western Balkans, Romania, and Bulgaria. “Together with the EIB and EU, we are helping future-proof Albania’s transport connectivity.”

Albanian Minister of Finance Petrit Malaj added, “The Durrës–Rrogozhinë project is a pivotal milestone for our national infrastructure. It enhances both domestic and cross-border mobility and cements Albania’s integration within Europe’s transport corridors. We deeply appreciate the continued support of our international partners.”

As part of Corridor VIII’s 1,500 km multimodal route linking southern Italy to Bulgaria’s Black Sea ports, the upgraded line will divert passenger and freight traffic from road to rail—cutting carbon emissions and fostering Albania’s green transition. The project builds on the EBRD’s earlier rail investments, including the Tirana–Durrës and Vore–Hani i Hotit lines, and fully supports the EU’s Western Balkans Economic and Investment Plan and the EBRD’s Green Economy Transition priorities.

Media contact:
Joel Cela
Email: media@ebrd.com

SOURCE: EBRD