This joint decision ensures a clear, transparent, and coordinated process for securing the legitimate rights of every individual and provides many people with greater security for the future.

The signing of the Social Security Agreement between Albania and Italy will benefit thousands of Albanians living and working in the neighboring country. The two countries have worked for a long time toward the mutual recognition of pensions, with an agreement on the technical aspects of the arrangement reached in July 2022.

The agreement will benefit all Albanians living and working in Italy, as well as Italians working in Albania, as it enables the recognition of their contributions for the purpose of old-age pensions, benefits related to illness and maternity, as well as unemployment insurance.

In order to be eligible for a full pension in Italy, an individual must have a minimum of 20 years of full social insurance contributions, whereas in Albania, at least 15 years of insured employment are required. Under the new agreement, individuals who do not meet the minimum contribution period in one country may combine their working years from both Albania and Italy, thereby ensuring fair and equitable access to pension benefits.

The institutions have put together nearly all the infrastructure needed for pension applications, updating requests on e-Albania, and efficiently managing electronic communication with the Italian counterpart.

In Albania, individuals can apply for benefits under this agreement via the e-Albania digital platform, which now includes integrated services for international pension applications. Moreover, citizens have the option to seek direct assistance at the Social Insurance Institute’s service desks.

The agreement was signed on February 6, 2024, by Albanian and Italian authorities, and in March of this year, it was published in the Official Gazette of Italy, thereby officially entering into force. /j.p/sm/

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Igli Hasani, after signing the agreement, pointed out that this is a very important moment for Albanians working in Italy.

He appreciated the 15-year efforts of the working groups of the two countries, but also the personal commitment of Minister Tajani to ensure the signing of the agreement, which will benefit more than 500,000 Albanian citizens and over 20,000 Italian citizens.

“It’s been 15 years of efforts, gratitude to all those who put a lot of effort into this moment. Gratitude to Minister Tajani for his personal contribution,” said Hasani.

The Foreign Minister of Italy, Antonio Tajani, said in his remarks that the finalization of this agreement offers security and a positive perspective for the future.

“It is a very important agreement. We have been waiting for about 15 years to sign an agreement that guarantees the entitlement of Italian employees in Albania or Albanian employees in Italy to old age pensions. I think that this joint decision of Tirana and Rome offers many people security and a positive perspective for the future”, said Minister Tajani.
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Rama said that over 500 thousand Albanian citizens in Italy and thousands of Italian citizens in Albania are direct beneficiaries of this agreement.

Thus, Albania and Italy will finalize the agreement on the mutual recognition of the social insurance contributions.

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Igli Hasani, will sign the agreement with his counterpart Tajani.

The agreement comes as an obligation and right for Albanian, Italian and Italian-Albanian citizens, who have worked with dedication for 30 years and have contributed to the economy and social progress of both countries.
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