Tabaku made these remarks at the meeting of the Parliamentary Economy and Finance Committee while discussing the agreement to establish the EIB office in Tirana.

“The EU Growth Plan requires a credible partner to implement the projects. The Albanian government is not a reliable partner, which is why they have chosen the EIB, considering that the instruments to be applied will not be entirely grants but will also be combined with loans, soft loans, and funds from the state budget,” she said.

The agreement aims to establish an EIB representative office in Albania, expected to provide substantial benefits to the Albanian government. As one of the largest global investors and creditors, the EIB raises considerable funds from capital markets to lend at favourable rates to projects that meet its criteria. /j.p/sm/

Yzeiraj unveiled the draft law “On the ratification of the agreement between the Republic of Albania and the European Investment Bank on the opening of the European Investment Bank’s representation office in Albania” at the European Affairs Committee.

Yzeiraj mentioned, “Under the 1998 framework agreement, the European Investment Bank has invested or lent nearly 458 million euros to the Republic of Albania, primarily focusing on projects in energy, transport, and water infrastructure. Recently, it has also become one of the key supporters of the development of our railway network.”

He further explained, “This agreement allows for the opening of the EIB office, a physical presence of the EIB in the Republic of Albania, and ensures that the staff working in this office will receive the same protections and be subject to the same framework as the members of the European Union Delegation in Tirana.”

He emphasized that this agreement is an extraordinary step within the framework of the integration process.

Yzeiraj said, “The EIB and its office in Albania will play a key role in managing funds under the new growth plan, supervising projects, ensuring deadlines and conditions are met, and facilitating the necessary conditions to absorb vital funds for the Republic of Albania.”

The Deputy Minister stated that this agreement represents “a significant endorsement of the integration process, in which Albania is now firmly involved and aims to finalize in the coming years.”

Yzeiraj noted that this agreement does not address issues related to alignment with EU acquis legislation, but highlighted, “It represents a key cornerstone in Albania’s journey toward EU membership.”

/j.p/sm/