TIRANA, April 10  /ATA/ – Minister of Infrastructure and Energy Enea Karakaçi said the government on Friday approved a major infrastructure project for the northern Shkodra region.

Speaking to reporters after the cabinet meeting, Karakaçi said the project, called ‘Porta e Alpeve’ (Gateway to the Alps), will be financed through €50 million from the European Investment Bank and €50 million from the state budget.

Karakaçi said the total value of the ‘Gateway to the Alps’ project in Shkodra amounts to €100 million, covering specialized infrastructure works. The programme includes several components, the first of which involves rehabilitating urban squares, reconstructing boulevards and creating multifunctional centres to provide more public space for residents across the region.

Karakaçi said another component will fund infrastructure along routes linking Velipoja’s coast, Lake Shkodra, the Buna River and the mountainous areas of Malësia e Madhe and the Alps. He added that further investments will cover sewage and water supply networks, urban transport and tourism‑related measures to improve management of the urban environment.

Karakaçi underlined that the agreement is important as it will establish, for the first time, an integrated corridor between the Alps and the Adriatic coast. He said the project is expected to support year‑round tourism, from winter to summer, while boosting economic development across Shkodra and improving services for residents.