In this context, the AADF and the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport signed a cooperation agreement to continue the process of preparing the second package of files for Albanian elements for nomination to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List and the List of Good Safeguarding Practices.

These four elements are of particular value for the Albanian cultural identity. The ministry said that the initiative represents an important step towards strengthening Albania’s presence in UNESCO and the internationalization of our intangible heritage.

This second package will include elements that are already part of the national register of intangible heritage and enjoy all the characteristics to be included in this process in full compliance with UNESCO’s technical requirements for nomination.

Under this agreement, AADF will support the process financially with a dedicated fund of USD 350,000, covering the research phase and the preparation of all nomination file components through the engagement of national and international experts. /a.f/p.s./

The proposed regulation, titled “On Fees for SEPA Cross-Border Payments and Transparency Conditions,” aims to align charges for SEPA transactions with those applied to domestic euro transfers processed through the central bank’s systems.

Under the new rules, the minimum fee for domestic euro transfers via the AIPS Euro system will be reduced from 6 euros to 4 euros. Additionally, total charges for transfers up to 150,000 euros must not exceed 0.02% of the transferred amount.

To encourage the use of electronic channels, the regulation proposes halved fees for online transactions. For domestic euro transfers executed through e-banking, the minimum fee must not exceed 2 euros, while total charges for transfers up to 150,000 euros will be capped at 0.01% of the amount.

Maximum fees for domestic euro transfers will remain unchanged: 50 euros for in-branch transactions and 25 euros for those conducted electronically. These ceilings will also apply to outgoing SEPA transfers.

For incoming SEPA payments, if fees are applied by the recipient’s payment service provider, they must reflect actual costs and in no case exceed 3 euros per transaction.

The regulatory changes are part of Albania’s broader effort to harmonize payment systems with EU standards ahead of deeper financial integration.

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