The emergency arbitrator’s order was issued on Sept. 16, 2026, as part of expedited arbitration proceedings initiated by VIA, according to the ministry.

The arbitrator rejected two of VIA’s three requests, including its bid to suspend the termination of the concession agreement and the termination notice. The ministry said the arbitrator found that neither the contract nor the evidence submitted provided sufficient legal grounds to suspend the termination.

As a result, the termination of the concession agreement has taken effect, the ministry said.

The arbitrator also rejected VIA’s request for the ministry to enter mediation and appoint a mediator, as well as its request to postpone the start of arbitration proceedings by two months.

The arbitrator did, however, order a temporary, short-term measure to preserve the status quo. The measure temporarily limits the exercise of certain rights arising from the termination and will remain in force until the arbitration tribunal is constituted and takes up the case, the ministry said.

The ministry stressed that the interim measure does not affect the validity or effectiveness of the termination of the concession agreement.

The emergency arbitrator also ordered VIA to bear the costs of the expedited arbitration proceedings.

The ministry said it would continue preparing the next steps arising from the termination while complying with the interim measure until the arbitration tribunal is constituted. It said it would notify VIA that the termination of the concession agreement had taken effect.

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Gazment Bardhi, head of the Democratic Party’s parliamentary group, said the government was seeking to address concerns raised by the European Union through a new environmental draft decision while leaving the disputed legal amendments unchanged.

“That may provide an additional filter, but it cannot be presented to the European Union as addressing its concerns while the law that created the problem remains untouched,” Bardhi said.

He cited a European Parliament resolution expressing “serious concern” over amendments to Albania’s protected areas law that allow major infrastructure and tourism projects in ecologically sensitive areas and calling for the changes to be reversed.

The Democratic Party has submitted a bill to parliament seeking to repeal the 2024 amendments, Bardhi said, adding that this was also a demand raised by citizens protesting to protect the areas.

Bardhi said the government had two options: repeal the amendments and restore the law to standards compatible with Albania’s EU accession process, or put the issue to a referendum.

“Let Albanians decide. Do not be afraid of the vote,” he said.

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The list of reimbursed medicines is expected to expand by 20 to 1,376 next year, from 1,356 in 2026, and to reach 1,406 by 2029.

The scheme is expected to continue covering around 400,000 patients annually throughout 2027-2029.

Average budget funding per patient is projected to rise to 43,200 leks in 2027, from around 33,750 leks this year.

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Speaking to reporters, Berisha said the figures were based on about 20 hours and six minutes of monitored television content. Of that total, around 13 hours and 52 minutes was devoted to Rama and government representatives, he said.

Berisha accused the broadcasters of giving disproportionate coverage to the government while limiting exposure for the Democratic Party and opposition protests.

According to his figures, the main opposition party received 24.8% of the monitored coverage, while opposition and citizen protests accounted for about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Berisha said coverage of the protests had been minimised compared with the airtime given to the government and its officials.

He described the situation as “media slavery” and accused the government of exercising control over the country’s national broadcasters.

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Speaking at a press conference after a regular cabinet meeting, Finance Minister Petrit Malaj said the reforms amend the laws on payment services, payment systems and banks, strengthening the legal framework while improving the efficiency and security of the financial system.

The changes are also part of Albania’s efforts to align its legislation with the EU acquis under Chapter 4 of the accession negotiations, covering the free movement of capital.

Malaj said the reforms would lower the cost of financial transactions, strengthen consumer protection, enhance the security of the financial system and promote greater competition and innovation in the banking and payments market.

“A stronger financial system also supports a stronger economy,” he said.

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The strategy identifies the diaspora as a strategic partner, seeking to broaden its role beyond remittances to include investment, entrepreneurship, knowledge and skills transfer, and greater participation in public life.

A central pillar of the strategy is the creation of a more favourable environment for diaspora investment through tax incentives, public-private partnerships and new support mechanisms.

Under the accompanying action plan, the Ministry of Finance, in cooperation with the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and other relevant institutions, will prepare a dedicated fiscal package for the diaspora, including tax reductions and investment incentives for priority sectors of the economy. Investments in strategic sectors would also be eligible for preferential corporate income tax rates.

The draft strategy also envisages establishing a one-stop shop for diaspora investors, providing information and assistance on business registration, permits and licences, tax procedures and other administrative services.

The document places particular emphasis on promoting entrepreneurship and innovation through grant schemes for diaspora-founded startups, as well as support for business incubators and accelerators.

It also seeks to strengthen cooperation between public institutions, universities, the private sector and diaspora organisations to facilitate the transfer of knowledge, technology and professional expertise.

Another key measure is the creation and regular updating of a Diaspora Register, alongside databases of Albanian professionals, entrepreneurs and organisations abroad, with the aim of building a structured cooperation network with state institutions.

Implementation of the 2026-2028 Action Plan is expected to require funding of approximately 1.85 billion leks to be financed through the state budget, international partners and other funding sources.

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In a press after the cabinet meeting, Ibrahimaj said the bonus was made possible by stronger-than-expected economic performance and higher budget revenues, which the government had pledged to channel into support for pensioners.

“Since the beginning of this mandate, we have said that the additional revenues generated by the Albanian economy’s positive performance would be used to support pensioners. Based on revenue collection during the first five months of the year, we decided to introduce this support measure,” Ibrahimaj said.

The payment will benefit around 777,200 recipients, including old-age and social pensioners, disability pension recipients, survivor pension beneficiaries and recipients of special financial benefits.

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The plan, drafted by the Ministry of Health and Social Protection in consultation with public institutions, disability organizations and international partners, sets out 68 priority measures and 283 budgeted interventions over the five-year period.

Based on the U.N. Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals and the European Union’s disability strategy, the plan seeks to improve access to education, employment, healthcare, rehabilitation, social protection, justice and public life.

A key objective is to shift policy away from a model focused primarily on financial benefits toward broader social, economic and institutional inclusion.

Measures include expanding community-based services, improving access to assistive technologies, strengthening rehabilitation services and increasing employment opportunities.

The plan also calls for the development of individualized transition programmes for beneficiaries of residential and development centres, expanded support for independent living and improved systems for data collection and monitoring.

The government said the strategy builds on recent reforms, including increased financial support for children with disabilities and the coverage of social and health insurance contributions for their caregivers.

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Karakaçi said the measure will apply to urban, intercity and suburban public transport operators as part of broader support policies introduced during the ongoing fuel price crisis.

He said the government decision follows consultations held around a month ago with transport associations, municipal representatives and the Ministry of Economy, during which sector challenges were discussed.

“At that time we committed to introducing a subsidy measure, and it has now been approved. It consists of a compensation of 50 lek per litre for all public transport companies,” he said.

Karakaçi added that the subsidy will take effect retroactively from March, when the impact of rising fuel prices began to be felt.

“A positive element is that this subsidy will start from March, when the effects of the crisis began. In this way, we have fulfilled a commitment agreed with stakeholder groups,” he said.

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The Council of Ministers adopted the measure following a proposal by the Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister.

Among the sites granted protected status are the Bylis Archaeological Park and Klos, alongside the approval of zoning and management plans covering their preservation, protection and administration.

The government also designated the “A” archaeological zone in Bushat, in the municipality of Vau i Dejës, as immovable cultural heritage, approving its zoning and conservation framework.

In addition, the Orikum Archaeological Park was granted the same status, in line with its officially defined zoning map and geodetic reference coordinates.

The decision further includes the designation of an “urban architectural ensemble” in the town of Delvinë as immovable cultural heritage, also accompanied by a detailed zoning and protection plan.

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