TIRANA, November 2 /ATSH/ – The budget for the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs for 2027 is projected at 3.9 billion lekë—approximately 40 million euros—implying an increase of 220 million lekë, or 6%, compared to 2026.
During the review in principle of the draft law “On the 2027 Budget” by the Committee for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha stated that the funds will support the operation of diplomatic missions, economic and public diplomacy, consular services and the institutional strengthening of the Foreign Service.
“We have a record budget, which carries a great responsibility to deliver results,” said Hoxha, noting that although the Ministry’s budget accounts for only 0.4% of the public budget, it funds strategic objectives. “Our budget represents a relatively small share of the total public budget—only 0.4%. Nevertheless, it funds several strategic objectives, such as European integration, security, international representation, the protection of national interests and the provision of services to Albanian citizens abroad,” the minister stated.
According to Hoxha, 1.3 billion lekë will be allocated to the operation of diplomatic missions—including embassies, permanent missions and consulates—while 300 million lekë will be dedicated to supporting the diplomatic agenda, public diplomacy and economic diplomacy.
The minister emphasized that Albania’s global presence should serve to enhance its influence, international relations and investment, as well as to support domestic production.
A total of 180 million lekë has been earmarked for the European integration and development agenda—covering both central operations and the work of diplomatic missions abroad, particularly within the European region.
Another key priority for the ministry will be strengthening ties with the diaspora, through implementation of the National Diaspora Strategy 2021–2026 and the expansion of Albanian language education. “We will continue its implementation, strengthening identity as well as educational, cultural and economic ties with our compatriots,” stated Hoxha, citing the, “Teachers for Italy” program—following the “Teachers for Greece” initiative—as a new undertaking.
The focus will also be on modernizing consular services and expanding the diplomatic presence—both physical and virtual—subject to available resources and capacity.
Further on, Hoxha announced that there will be established an Agency for International Humanitarian Aid Cooperation. /gj.m/r.e/a.f/p.s./
