TIRANA, July 20 /ATA/ In the 2026 Environmental Performance Index (EPI) produced by Yale and Columbia Universities, Albania ranks 46th globally out of 177 countries with an overall score of 49.22. This placement ranks Albania 1st in the Western Balkans, reflecting a decade of strong regional progress in sustainability and climate mitigation.
Prime Minister Edi Rama highlighted the news through a video message, where he also commented on the protests for environmental protection, which he considered as achievements of Albanian society.
“For weeks, it felt as though Albania had turned against its own natural heritage, with glossy hype obscuring the truth. But the reality is now undeniable,” said Rama.
According to him, the Environmental Performance Index ranking shows the path that has been taken, while not many years have passed since Albania was the land of barbaric deforestation, wild hunting, the criminal extermination of many species and rivers turned into waste dumps.
The prime minister also mentioned the organization of large protests for environmental protection, which he considered a great achievement of society.
“Beyond the political noise, these environmental protests are a civic victory. The fierce dedication shown by so many to save our natural landscapes highlights a powerful evolution in Albanian society”, said Rama.
The prime minister considered this a victory of civilization. “We are making progress simply by arguing about nature today, rather than silently watching it degrade as we did ten years ago. I see anyone who genuinely cares for the environment as a partner in this mission, regardless of our differences”, said Rama.
“Of course, hitting these EPI numbers doesn’t mean we’re infallible. After all, the only person who never makes a mistake is the one who does nothing. We still have a lot to learn and improve upon”, he said.
On the other hand, the prime minister expressed his conviction that, “The promised reflection on what the Flamingo Boulevard mirror put before us is not only necessary, but indispensable and you will soon have it too”. /m.m/j.p/p.s./
