Родова еднаквост

Various initiatives have contributed to advances in gender equality, in line with the requirements for EU accession, the NSG reports. An ongoing initiative is the comprehensive review of the 2008 Gender Equality Law, which was initiated in September 2024. Several stakeholders, including CSOs, are involved through consultations in this revision process.[1] The goal of the review is to eliminate gender-based discrimination and to promote equal participation and mainstream gender consideration across government actions.

The budget for gender-based policy programmes increased significantly in 2024 to a total of around €73 million.[2] Of this, 38% went to health and social protection initiatives, including support for unemployed women with at least three children, investments in maternal health services and financing the Baby Bonus Program. Another 28% went to education-related gender policies, such as those aiming to increase the education of girls through scholarships and financial support for disadvantaged families, targeted programmes to reduce dropout rates, initiatives to promote girls’ participation in STEM fields, and vocational training aligned with labour market needs.[3] These are important steps in promoting women’s economic participation, yet more efforts are needed, notably in the fields of education and labour market participation. Whilst the labour force participation rate of both men and women increased from 2023, the increase for women was still notably smaller than for men. Moreover, there is still a 13.1 percentage-point difference [4]. This shows a persistent need for additional measures aimed at enabling women’s economic participation, as societal expectations and family responsibilities still limit their participation in the labour force.

Albania took several positive steps to improve gender representation in various parts of public life. It amended the electoral code in July 2024, stipulating that one out of every three elected candidates from open lists must be a woman.[5] Challenges persist, however, in ensuring that this representation is meaningful. Whilst a significant number of municipal councils are made up of women, these women are far more likely to face barriers to active participation. Barriers include being discouraged to take the floor and being interrupted when they have the floor, in both cases occasionally using crude or misogynistic language[6][7]

Because of its challenges in education and political empowerment, Albania dropped five places in the 2024 Gender Gap Report, despite improving in other metrics such as health and economic participation.[8] More systematic and comprehensive data collection and analysis are required to better monitor gender disparities and inform policy decisions. Positive steps have been taken in this direction, such as the Gender Datathon that took place for the first time in October 2024.[9] This event was intended to show how data analysis and visualization can cast a light on gender inequalities and drive evidence-based solutions. Albania also entered a collaboration with Kosovo under the EU-funded Gender Equality Facility project to strengthen gender-responsive governance.[10] An exchange visit and workshop took place in June 2024 with a focus on standardized reporting mechanisms and the sharing of best practices to enhance the capacities of local gender equality officers.[11] While these projects represent progress, continued commitment to comprehensive data-driven approaches and inclusive policies are essential to sustain and build upon the advances made.

Вработување на млади

Youth unemployment continues to be a pressing socio-economic issue in Albania, the NSG reports. Despite ongoing labour shortages in certain sectors and a general decrease in unemployment, around a fifth of the 15-29 age group continue to be unemployed.[12] Several factors intensify each other’s negative effects and sustain this high unemployment rate.

Nearly half the 15-29 age group were not engaged in employment, education or training in early 2025 and were therefore classified as NEETs.[13] The highest unemployment rate was found amongst people with a secondary education and was even higher than the rate for those with only a basic education. Vocational education is underdeveloped at the secondary level, and only 18% of secondary education students were enrolled in vocational schools.[14]

There is a mismatch between the skills of Albanian youth and those required by businesses. The labour shortages mainly concern low-skill sectors, which do not necessarily appeal to higher-education students and graduates. This has led to a vicious circle, in which Albanian businesses accuse the government of not creating an education system that matches the demands of the labour market, and labour institutions accuse business of not developing high-skill branches that can fully utilise students’ skills. Because of this mismatch, many high-skill graduates work in lower-skill professions.

The high youth unemployment rate and the mismatch between education and the labour market have driven a significant number of skilled young Albanians to emigrate. The higher wages, more-stable employment and better social services offered in EU Member States are additional incentives. This emigration puts the long-term stability of the Albanian economy under strain, and public investment targeting youth does not result in socio-economic gains for the country.[15]

To respond to these challenges, the Albanian government implemented two strategies. The National Employment and Skills Strategy covers 2023 to 2030 and seeks to enhance labour market programmes, vocational training and youth employment opportunities.[16] Its focus is thus mainly on skills development and matching supply and demand in the labour market. The Skills Development for Employment Programme covers 2023 to 2027 and focuses on vocational education and training and on collaboration between public and private institutions by increasing cooperation and strengthening institutional capacities.[17] While these initiatives can certainly help deal with some of the factors sustaining youth unemployment, more comprehensive reforms should aim to create conditions that allow broader participation in the labour market and better alignment between skills and job opportunities. Expanding access to affordable childcare and eldercare would enable women and young parents to seek and retain employment without being limited by family responsibilities. At the same time, introducing targeted incentives for employers, including wage subsidies, tax benefits, and apprenticeship schemes, could encourage the hiring and retention of young people, women, and other underrepresented groups. Strengthening career guidance and job placement services would ensure that education and training translate into tangible employment outcomes, while upgrading digital infrastructure and providing digital skills training in both urban and rural areas would prepare the workforce for the evolving demands of the labour market.

[1] UN Women Albania (2024), “Albania reviews its Gender Equality Law”: https://albania.unwomen.org/en/stories/news/2024/09/albania-reviews-its-gender-equality-law

[2]     UN WOMEN Europe and Central Asia (2024), “Take Five: By integrating gender considerations into targeted measures and activities, the ministry ensures that its initiatives are responsive to the unique challenges faced by women and girls, leaving no one behind”: https://eca.unwomen.org/en/stories/take-five/2024/12/take-five-by-integrating-gender-considerations-into-targeted-measures-and-activities-the-ministry-ensures-that-its-initiatives-are-responsive-to-the-unique-challenges-faced-by-women-and-girls-leaving-no-one-behind

[3] CNA Article “73 million euros from the 2024 budget for gender equality”, July 2024 https://www.cna.al/english/aktualitet/73-milione-euro-nga-buxheti-2024-per-barazine-gjinore-i403858

[4]     INSTAT (2024), “Trimester Labour Force Statistics”: https://www.instat.gov.al/media/14995/lfs-q4-2024.pdf

[5] Albanian Times (2025), “Electoral lists divide power between party leaders and voters in Albania’s upcoming elections”: https://albaniantimes.al/electoral-lists-divide-power-between-party-leaders-and-voters-in-albanias-upcoming-elections/

[7]  BalkanInsight (2024), ” Women on Albanian Councils Told to ‘Shut Up’, Study Reveals”: https://balkaninsight.com/2024/05/31/more-numerous-but-voiceless-study-exposes-gender-inequality-in-albania-municipal-councils ; Smart Balkans (2024), “Beyond Numbers: Addressing the Gender Gap in Albanian Municipal Councils (Post-Quota)”: https://smartbalkansproject.org/smart-news/albania/beyond-numbers-addressing-the-gender-gap-in-albanian-municipal-councils-post-quota/

[8]     Euronews Albania (2024), “Gender Gap Report 2024| Albania ranks 23rd in the world. Loses 6 places”: https://euronews.al/en/gender-gap-report-2024-albania-ranks-23rd-in-the-world-loses-6-places

[9]     UN Women Europe and Central Asia (2024), “Albania’s first Gender Datathon spurs youth and activists to spotlight gender inequalities and drive change”: https://eca.unwomen.org/en/stories/feature-story/2024/11/albanias-first-gender-datathon-spurs-youth-and-activists-to-spotlight-gender-inequalities-and-drive-change

[10]     UN Women Europe and Central Asia (2024), “Advancing Gender Equality in Governance: Kosovo* and Albania Collaborate for EU Integration through EU-Funded Gender Equality Facility”: https://eca.unwomen.org/en/stories/news/2024/07/advancing-gender-equality-in-governance-kosovo-and-albania-collaborate-for-eu-integration-through-eu-funded-gender-equality-facility

[11]     UN Women Europe and Central Asia (2024), “Advancing Gender Equality in Governance: Kosovo* and Albania Collaborate for EU Integration through EU-Funded Gender Equality Facility”: https://eca.unwomen.org/en/stories/news/2024/07/advancing-gender-equality-in-governance-kosovo-and-albania-collaborate-for-eu-integration-through-eu-funded-gender-equality-facility

[12] World Bank (2025), “Albania Poverty and Equity Brief : April 2025 (English)”: https://documents.worldbank.org/en/publication/documents-reports/documentdetail/099328104212536745

[13] Albanian Daily News (2025), “Half of Youths Out of Labour Market, Education”: https://albaniandailynews.com/news/half-of-youths-out-of-labor-market-education

[14] Hashtag.al (2025), “The highest unemployment rate affects people with secondary education”: https://www.hashtag.al/en/index.php/2025/03/23/papunesia-me-e-larte-kap-personat-me-arsim-te-mesem

[15] Albanian Times (2024), “Albania’s youth emigration poses economic challenge: new report by WFD”: https://albaniantimes.al/albania-youth-emigration-economic-challenge

[16] IFM ELibrary (2024), “Albania: 2023 Article IV Consultation-Press Release and Staff Report”: https://www.elibrary.imf.org/view/journals/002/2024/007/article-A001-en.xml

[17] UNEP-LEAP (2025), “Decision no. 173, dated 24.3.2023 on the approval of the National employment and capabilities Strategy 2023-2030, the Action Plan for its implementation, as well as Youth guarantee implementation Plan 2023–2024.”: https://leap.unep.org/en/countries/al/national-legislation/decision-no-173-dated-2432023-approval-national-employment-and

Adequate wages and work-life balance

In 2024, Albanian wages rose in nominal terms, notably due to the Council of Ministers’ Decision No. 113 of 1 March 2023, which increased the minimum wage to 40 000 lek per month (approximately €407 by early 2025).[1] This policy was accompanied by Decision No. 114, providing temporary subsidies to private-sector employers in key sectors to mitigate the effect of higher social and health insurance costs.[2] Average gross wages increased by 11.2%, which represents a more moderate increase than the increase in minimum wage for the same period, showing a reduction in wage inequality. Despite these increases, wages in Albania are still among the lowest in the Western Balkan region.

An indicator developed by Eurostat shows a similar pattern for purchasing power. The Purchasing Power Standards use the (latest available) purchasing power parity data to reduce the effect of price differences between countries. These Standards show that Albanian prices are among the highest in region, so the purchasing power of the minimum wage is low – in fact, the lowest in Europe.[3] The real value of the minimum wage and its increases is thus According to Eurostat, when adjusted for purchasing power (PPS), Albania’s minimum wage in mid-2024 stood at 556 PPS, ranking it lowest in Europe.[4] The government announced plans to increase wages in the public sector by 40% by the end of 2025 so as to align them with regional standards and improve retention.[5] But several issues still need to be addressed to make wages more adequate, including the growing gap between nominal and real wages and structural factors such as the high rate of informal work and regional disparities.

Law No. 91/2024 abolished the requirement for employees to take their annual leave in blocks of whole working weeks. The law also increased annual paid leave to 22 working days. These measures align with European labour standards and provide Albanian employees with more vacation that can be used more flexibly. As such, they contribute positively to Albanians’ work-life balance.

Occupational health and safety (OSH)

Albania has improved occupational health and safety and continues to get closer to European standards, the NSG reports. One major improvement was the Albanian Council of Ministers’ adoption of Decision No. 268[6] (also known as the DCM), which implements Law No. 32/2016 on guaranteeing the safe operation of pressurized equipment and installation The Law obliges employers (and other so-called economic operators) to take up civil liability insurance if they own or manage pressurized equipment or installations under pressure.[8] That insurance must cover the period in which the equipment or installation is put in place, as well as the period of its use. Both the Law and the DMC thus help protect the lives and health and safety of workers using this equipment, as well as the environment.

The Albanian Labor Inspectorate and Social Services (SLISS) reported conducting around 190,000 inspections, with a particular focus on high-risk sectors like construction, which led to the registration of 177 workplace accidents. Yet reports indicate a lack of criminal and civil liability for fatal incidents, leading to concerns over accountability and the enforcement of safety regulations.[9] These concerns have led to significant worker mobilization, culminating in a cross-sector protest on 1 May 2024 demanding dignity at work, fair wages and respect for labour rights.[10] Some measures were introduced to enhance inspection capabilities, including the development of a digital platform for risk assessment and inspector guidance.

An issue that remains critical is the shortage of specialized occupational health physicians. Illustrating the general mismatch between labour market supply and demand in Albania, no dedicated academic programmes exist for this profession. As such, general practitioners fulfil these roles without specialized training, thus compromising the quality of occupational health and safety (OSH) services. Educational reforms are needed to properly align the supply and demand of the market for these specialized physicians and to enhance the quality of OSH services.

Социјален дијалог

The NSG made special mention of some developments in the structure of Albania’s social dialogue framework. Albania has a tripartite social dialogue structure involving trade unions, employers and the government. The central institution responsible for facilitating the dialogue between the three parties is the National Labour Council (NLC). However, the NLC has proven functionally inoperative, as only one meeting was held in 2023 and none in 2024.[14] A European Commission Report attributed this to governmental reluctance to participate in the discussions as well as the limited capacity of the social partners to assert their roles effectively.[15] The inactivity of this central institution has severely hindered the influence of trade unions on labour policy reforms, leaving many of workers’ concerns unaddressed. These issues are further exacerbated by the absence of a dedicated Ministry of Labour since 2019.[16] Efforts were made to strengthen the functionality of the NLC, such as the appointment of new members and initiatives that seek to enhance the capacity of its secretariat. However, as the specialized commissions within the NLC remain non-operational, these efforts remain largely without substantial impact.[17] Lastly, a recently founded trade union entity, the Union of Trade Unions of Albania (UTUA), is not represented in the NLC. This is particularly worrying, as the UTUA seeks to unify regional trade unions to better advocate for workers’ rights.[18] This has given rise to concerns over inclusiveness and the comprehensiveness of workers’ representation in the NLC.

[1] HG.org. LeadingLawyers, Minimum Wage Changes in Albania, https://www.hg.org/legal-articles/minimum-wage-changes-in-albania-64708 ; Eurostat (2025), “Minimum Wages”: https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/databrowser/view/tps00155/default/table?lang=en

[2] ibid

[3]     CNA (2024), “Even after the increases, the minimum wage in Albania remains the lowest in Europe, according to purchasing power”: https://www.cna.al/english/ekonomi/edhe-pas-rritjeve-paga-minimale-ne-shqiperi-mbetet-me-e-uleta-ne-europe—i407546

[4]  Eurostat (2025) Minimum wage statistics: https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php?title=Minimum_wage_statistics

[5] International Monetary Fund (2024), “Albania: 2023 Article IV Consultation-Press Release and Staff Report”: https://www.elibrary.imf.org/view/journals/002/2024/007/article-A001-en.xml

[6] Official Gazette Publication, DCM No.268 on “Implementing provisions of the Law on guaranteeing the safety of the operation of the equipment and installations under pression”, Retrieved from https://www.albsig.al/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/VKM-Sigurimi-i-Pergjegjesise-se-Eneve-Nen-Presion.pdf

[7] Official Gazette Publication, Law No 32/2016 on guaranteeing the safe operation of pressurized equipment and installations, Retrieved from https://infrastruktura.gov.al/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/55-2016.pdf

[8] KPMG (n.d.), “Implementing provisions of the Law on guaranteeing the safety of the operation of the equipment and installations under pression”: https://kpmg.com/al/en/home/insights/2024/05/implementing-provisions-of-the-law-on-guaranteeing-the-safety-of.html

[9] DecentWorkBalkans and Edison Hoxha (n.d.), “Albania – INDICATORS OF THE QUALITY OF WORKERS’ RIGHTS”: https://decentworkbalkans.com/facts/albania-fact-sheet/

[10] CLR (2025), “Massive protest on May 1st: Albanian workers demand dignity, fair wages and safe working conditions”: https://clr.al/massive-protest-on-may-1st-albanian-workers-demand-dignity-fair-wages-and-safe-working-conditions/

[11] EU-OSHA blog (2024), “EU-OSHA and EU OSH practices in Tirana”: https://osha.europa.eu/en/blog/eu-osha-and-eu-osh-practices-tirana-albania

[12] EU-OSHA Blog (2025), “EU-OSHA delivers a training session on EU OSH principles to the Albanian State Labour Inspectorate and Social Service (FOP authority)”: https://osha.europa.eu/en/blog/eu-osha-delivers-training-session-eu-osh-principles-albanian-state-labour-inspectorate-and-social-service-fop-authority

[13] UN Geneva (2024), “CESCR Albania Review 2024”: https://www.ungeneva.org/en/news-media/meeting-summary/2024/09/examen-de-lalbanie-au-cescr-les-experts-du-comite-font-part-de

[14] DecentWorkBalkans and Edison Hoxha (2025), “Albania – INDICATORS OF THE QUALITY OF WORKERS’ RIGHTS”: https://decentworkbalkans.com/facts/albania-fact-sheet/

[15] European Commission (2024), “Albania 2024 Report”: https://enlargement.ec.europa.eu/document/download/a8eec3f9-b2ec-4cb1-8748-9058854dbc68_en?filename=Albania%20Report%202024.pdf

[16] DecentWorkBalkans and Edison Hoxha (n.d.), “Albania – INDICATORS OF THE QUALITY OF WORKERS’ RIGHTS”: https://decentworkbalkans.com/facts/albania-fact-sheet/

[17] Socieux (2024), “Terms of reference for onsite training missions or e-learning activities”: https://socieux.eu/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/2024-21-ALB_Act3_TOREX_28-4-2025.pdf

[18] Исто

[MC1]Do we have a figure that we can use here? Since above we talk about nominal wages in numbers, it would be good to have figures here too.

Пристап до квалитетна здравствена заштита

Funding for healthcare in Albania increased by 5% to €1 billion for 2025 and is higher than ever.[1] Notably, €130 million has been allocated for reimbursing essential medications for nearly 400,000 citizens. However, the cost of healthcare to individuals is a persistent issue. In 2024, Albanians had to cover nearly 60% of total health expenses out of pocket, resulting in approximately €160 million of personal funds being spent on pharmaceutical products alone.[2] Whilst the increased allocation is a step in the right direction, there is a clear need for more-comprehensive drug reimbursement policies.

The budget increase also aims to enhance services for vulnerable people through other initiatives. Health mediator programmes, for example, try to bridge the gap between healthcare services and minority groups such as Roma and Egyptians.[3] These programmes are the result of a collaboration between the Albanian government, its partners and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). They focus on health-risk awareness and early detection of illnesses. They consist of community-based sessions, in which a member of the minority community informs other members of that community about health risks the group might be more prone to and how to detect symptoms of those risks. Part of the budget increase is also aimed at structural improvements, like investments in hospital infrastructure. These investments should also be used to deal with structural information and the health sector’s deficiencies in accessibility. A monitoring report by NGOs identified a structural lack of transparency, communication and physical accessibility in regional health directorates.[4]

Furthermore, additional investments in public care services are sorely needed in light of the increasing needs of the ageing population. Whilst nearly half of the population aged over 65 suffer from multiple health conditions, only 2% of them receive adequate long-term care.[5] The issue has long outgrown the capabilities of familial care, and public services need to be expanded to support family care givers.[6] Albania has made some progress in this regard through collaborations with the Health for All Project, and it has expanded home care services. The Health for All Project is a Swiss developmental project that aims to improve healthcare for Albanians and vulnerable groups in Albania. By April 2024, the project had extended to 120 health centres across 17 local healthcare units and provided in-home medical support to patients with chronic illnesses and mobility challenges.[7] This category covers more than just the elderly and can thus also greatly contribute to quality healthcare provision for groups such as people with disabilities.

[1] Albanian Times (2024), “Minister of Health presents ‘historic’ 2025 budget amidst opposition criticism”: https://albaniantimes.al/albania-2025-health-budget/

[2]     Albanian Times (2024), “WHO: Albania tops Europe in out-of-pocket healthcare spending”: https://albaniantimes.al/albania-healthcare-spending-2024;     CNA (2025), “Albanians financed 160 million euros of pharmaceutical products from their own pockets in 2024”: https://www.cna.al/english/ekonomi/shqiptaret-financuan-nga-xhepi-160-mln-euro-produkte-farmaceutike-me-202-i421617

[3] UNFPA Albania (2024), “Health mediators playing key role in improving equal access to health care for Albania’s most vulnerable communities”: https://albania.unfpa.org/en/news/health-mediators-playing-key-role-improving-equal-access-health-care-albanias-most-0

[4] Citizens Channel (2024), “Monitoring reveals deficiencies in transparency and access to education and health”: https://citizens.al/en/2024/12/10/monitorimi-zbulon-mangesi-per-transparence-dhe-qasje-ne-arsim-e-shendetesi/

[5]     Gazeta Tema (2024), “Albania faces urgent challenge in elderly healthcare as population ages”: https://english.gazetatema.net/society/albania-faces-urgent-challenge-in-elderly-healthcare-as-population-ages-i337339

[6]     ILO (2022), “Albania faces a growing need of long-term care for its elderly population”: https://www.ilo.org/resource/news/albania-faces-growing-need-long-term-care-its-elderly-population

[7] Health for All Project (2024), “Expansion of Home Care – Progress, Successes, and Challenges”: https://www.hap.org.al/en/shtrirja-e-kujdesit-shendetesor-ne-banese-ecuria-sukseset-dhe-sfidat/

The CIVICUS Monitor continues to classify Albania’s civic space as “Narrowed”, a classification which has remained unchanged since 2018.[1] The “Narrowed” classification means that individuals and CSOs are still able to exercise their rights to freedom of association, peaceful assembly and expression. However, violations of those rights also take place occasionally. For example, several incidents occurred in the middle of 2024 in which media freedom was obstructed or attacked.[2] Journalists faced obstacles when reporting on university elections, and media outlets (and associated social media accounts) have consistently been the target of cyberattacks.

Enabling space for civil society

Albania has made several advances towards an enabling environment for civil society, but serious challenges still need to be overcome, the NSG reports.

In March 2025, the UNDP’s Regional Programme on Local Democracy in the Western Balkans 3 (ReLOaD3) launched a call for CSOs and other groups to join its Advisory Group in Albania.[3] This programme represents another possible way to let various CSOs contribute to local governance and decision-making by sharing their perspectives.

These initiatives demonstrate advances in enhancing the participation and inclusion of CSOs in policy creation and implementation. Nevertheless, whilst civil society space has been improved on a formal level, several factors have prevented this from being more effective. CSOs report being sidelined during the drafting of Albania’s annual and medium-term budget programmes for 2025–2027, despite having a legal mandate to participate in the public consultation.[4] Organizations raised concerns over the transparency and inclusivity of fiscal planning, highlighting the lack of responsiveness from public organizations to their requests for involvement. Similarly, participation in the implementation of Albania’s Reform Agenda was severely hindered by the lack of engagement by the chief negotiator’s office in civil society-organized meetings and by the delayed publication of the Reform Agenda.[5] These hinderances severely limited meaningful and impactful contributions to ensure that reforms are both comprehensive and inclusive. CSOs wrote an open letter to Albanian government, calling on it to demonstrate stronger political will in both the drafting and implementing of the 2024–2027 Roadmap for an Enabling Environment for Civil Society Development.[6] The letter cited the need for extensive consultations, clear priorities and the establishment of clear structures to oversee the execution of the Roadmap and to ensure transparency and accountability.

Involvement of civil society in negotiations to join the EU

Progress has been made in fostering dialogue between civil society organisations and government institutions on the EU accession process, but advances are still needed to ensure that this dialogue is meaningful and open to all types of CSOs, the NSG reports. .[7] The meetings are infrequent and lack feedback mechanisms, and the process to incorporate CSO input is unclear. Information on the negotiation process is not readily or publicly available, and it is not available in an easy-to-understand way for CSOs without specialized expertise. Their participation therefore lacks substance and has become symbolic, limiting its usefulness and effectiveness.

In addition to the technical expertise on the EU required, several other factors obstruct the participation of smaller CSOs, which are often regional.[8] Most engagement opportunities are organized in Albania’s capital, Tirana, and physical distance is an important factor in the underrepresentation of rural, Roma, Egyptian and youth-led organizations. In addition, many smaller CSOs face internal challenges related to funding and donor support. Dedicated space and channels are therefore needed to ensure these CSOs’ participation in the policy dialogue and sector-specific consultations. The European Economic and Social Committee echoes the need to ensure they can participate. A dedicated session between the committee and Albanian youth organisations focused on the importance of young people’s participation in the EU integration process. The session highlighted the need for more structured mechanisms for youth and civil society participation in the accession negotiations.[9]

The growing perception of political favouritism around the consultative meetings has become a pressing issue. CSOs report feeling pressured to self-censor and to avoid criticizing reforms out of fear of not being invited to the next meeting.[10] This undermines the freedom of civil society by weakening its watchdog function. Free and substantial civil society participation is key to the health of a democracy, as well as being one of the EU’s fundamental values. Several improvements are thus needed to ensure that CSOs can participate in an effective and meaningful way in Albania.

[1] CIVICUS (2025), CIVICUS Monitor – Albania: https://monitor.civicus.org/country/albania/

[2] Safe Journalists (2024), “Albania Media Landscape – 2024 Summer Brief”: https://safejournalists.net/albania-media-landscape-2024-summer-brief

[3]     UNDP Albania (2023), “Public Call to Civil Society Organizations, Academic Institutions, and Individuals for membership in the Advisory Group of the Regional Programme on Local Democracy in the Western Balkans 3 (ReLOaD3) in Albania”: https://www.undp.org/albania/news/public-call-civil-society-organizations-academic-institutions-and-individuals-membership-advisory-group-regional-programme-local

[4] Citizens Channel (2024), “Civil society was sidelined in the annual and mid-term budget consultations”: https://citizens.al/en/2024/11/19/shoqeria-civile-u-menjanua-ne-konsultimet-per-buxhetin-vjetor-dhe-afatmesem

[5] European Western Balkans (2024), “Albanian CSOs call for increased cooperation with the state in implementation of the Reform Agenda”: https://europeanwesternbalkans.com/2024/12/24/albanian-csos-call-for-increased-cooperation-with-the-state-in-implementation-of-the-reform-agenda

[6]     National Resource Centre for Civil Sociaty Albania (2025), “OPEN LETTER – On the Assessment of the Roadmap for Government Policy Towards an Enabling Environment for Civil Society Development 2019–2023 and the Drafting of the Roadmap for the period 2024–2027”: https://resourcecentre.al/2025/02/24/open-letter-on-the-assessment-of-the-roadmap-for-government-policy-towards-an-enabling-environment-for-civil-society-development-2019-2023-and-the-drafting-of-the-roadmap-for-the-period-2024/

[7] European Commission, COMMISSION STAFF WORKING DOCUMENT, Albania 2023 Report

https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX%3A52023SC0690

[8] IDM Albania (2025), “Monitoring Report | Public consultation in Albania: The illusion of inclusion”: https://idmalbania.org/publication-cpt/monitoring-report-public-consultation-in-albania-the-illusion-of-inclusion/

[9] Dafina Peci (2024), “Albania’s path to EU membership: partnering with its young people and civil society is a must”: https://www.eesc.europa.eu/en/news-media/eesc-info/eesc-info-july-2024/articles/119591

[10] European Western Balkans (2024), “Albanian CSOs call for increased cooperation with the state in implementation of the Reform Agenda”: https://europeanwesternbalkans.com/2024/12/24/albanian-csos-call-for-increased-cooperation-with-the-state-in-implementation-of-the-reform-agenda/

[11]     European Movement Albania (n.d.), “Advocacy Meetings in Brussels for Civil Society in Albania, 5 – 6 February 2025”: https://em-al.org/en/advocacy-meetings-in-brussels-for-civil-society-in-albania-5-6-february-2025

Квалитет на работни места во зелената транзиција

Albania has significantly promoted decent employment opportunities as part of the green transition, the NSG reports. These advances are related to several initiatives that were launched by international organisations and involved Albania in different capacities. In March 2024, the OECD launched its “Roadmap towards Circular Economy of Albania”, which aims to create employment opportunities in green sectors like recycling, eco-design and sustainable protection.[1] This roadmap also contributes to Albania’s alignment with the European Green Deal objectives set in the previous EU mandate, before the current attempts to water them down. In June 2024, Albania became the first country to endorse the UN’s Global Accelerator on Jobs and Social Protection for Just Transitions.[2] The roadmap also aims to expand social protection and facilitate just transitions, with a particular focus on sectors like green industries and care economies. To this end, it emphasizes skill development for youth and women, with a focus on workers transitioning from traditional to green industries. Lastly, the UNDP’s Promoting Green Recovery in the Forestry Sector In Albania project aims to create jobs in the renewable energy sector, initiating training programmes for producing biomass fuels and for sustainable forestry management.[3]

Albania also launched a successful national initiative to promote green industries: the Green Business Competition, organized by Partners Albania.[4] This competition fosters local green entrepreneurship, by providing financial support to winning proposals such as sustainable agriculture projects and eco-tourism ventures.[5] The competition thus also contributes to job creation in environmentally friendly sectors.

Despite all these advances, several factors still hinder the full realization of the economic and social potential of Albania’s socially just green transition. One problem is a lack of formal training programmes for key professions in green industries, which severely limits the sector’s potential for and rate of growth. For example, Albania is shifting its energy focus from only hydropower to also include solar and wind energy. This requires expert professions like solar panel installers and wind turbine technicians. Whilst the aforementioned initiatives by international organisations seek to help provide the necessary training opportunities, formal training programmes for these professions in Albania are not sufficient to meet industry demand.[6] Leading companies have therefore recruited foreign skilled workers to fill the positions. National efforts are underway, however, to remedy this skills shortage by updating curricula and establishing training programmes.[7] Green startups and small enterprises also find it difficult to access financing for their projects. Whilst projects like the Green Business Competition represent significant efforts in this area, these projects alone are not sufficient. Additional funding measures are needed to achieve the potential for green job creation. Another challenge for the just green transition is the lack of open and up-to-date data, which presents a significant barrier to the monitoring and further development of green transition policies – and also to green employment.[8]

[1] OECD (2024), “Launch of the Roadmap towards Circular Economy of Albania”: https://www.oecd.org/en/events/2024/03/launch-of-the-roadmap-towards-circular-economy-of-albania.html

[2] UN Global Accelerator (2024), “Albania endorses the roadmap to implement the Global Accelerator on Jobs and Social Protection for Just Transition”: https://www.unglobalaccelerator.org/albania-endorses-roadmap-implement-global-accelerator-jobs-and-social-protection-just-transitions

[3] UNDP Albania (n.d.), “Promoting green recovery in the forestry sector in Albania”: https://www.undp.org/albania/projects/promoting-green-recovery-forestry-sector-albania

[4] Partners Albania (2022), “Green Businesses Competition”: https://www.partnersalbania.org/News/green-businesses-competition/

[5] Partners Albania (2024), “MEET THE WINNERS OF THE NATIONAL GREEN BUSINESSES COMPETITION 2024”: https://www.partnersalbania.org/News/meet-the-winners-of-the-national-green-businesses-competition-2024

[6] European Training Foundation (2021), “Skills for the Energy Transition in Albania”: https://www.etf.europa.eu/en/news-and-events/news/skills-energy-transition-albania

[7] Ibid.

[8] Balkan Insight (2024), “Open Data Deficit Hinders Green Transition in Kosovo and Albania”: https://balkaninsight.com/2024/10/30/open-data-deficit-hinders-green-transition-in-kosovo-and-albania/