Malaj stated that supporting the elderly remains a core government priority, with pensions taking precedence in the national budget.

The minister emphasized that the 2027 budget carries provisions for the indexation of pensions in April 2027, with an allocated fund of approximately 1.35 billion lekë.

Furthermore, Malaj said that the monthly bonus for pensioners—categorized according to specific criteria—will be doubled, effective January 1, 2027, with an estimated total annual cost of 20 billion lekë.

In his remarks, Malaj noted that next year’s budget also improves the social protection policies, with a focus on children, families and the most vulnerable groups.

The minister stated that payments for children with disabilities are set to double, and that social and health insurance contributions will be recognized for their caregivers. Furthermore, he added, the baby bonus will continue—this time in the form of monthly support provided until the child reaches the age of 5—with the amount increasing progressively for the first, second and third child.

Malaj highlighted that approximately 1.3 billion lekë per year has been allocated for social services and affordable housing.

Under the 2027 budget, the personal income tax compensation—covering up to 48,000 lekë—will continue for families with children under the age of 18. /p.s./

In a statement published on FIAA’s official website, it is read that significant changes to the tax framework must be based on sound economic analysis, meaningful consultations with the business community and sufficient time for businesses to assess the implications and prepare accordingly.

FIAA stressed that, “Fiscal policy plays a critical role in investment decisions, business competitiveness and long-term planning. For foreign investors, stability, transparency and predictability within the fiscal and regulatory framework are essential conditions for sustainable investment. Sudden changes to tax rates and legislation can affect investment decisions, increase business uncertainty and undermine confidence in the country’s long-term economic outlook.” “At a time when Albania is seeking to strengthen its competitiveness, attract sustainable foreign investment and advance its European integration, fiscal policy should support these objectives by providing businesses with a clear, stable and predictable framework for operations and investment. Therefore, FIAA calls upon the government to reconsider the proposed measures and engage in a meaningful dialogue with the business community. Any significant fiscal change must be supported by comprehensive impact assessments, transparent consultations and appropriate transition periods,” stated FIAA’s response. /p.s./

Koçiu noted that beyond its natural beauty, there are the local residents themselves who can transform Gjinar into an increasingly attractive destination for tourists through investments and the enrichment of the tourism offering.

“Gjinar has been blessed by nature, but there are its people who can transform it into an ever more appealing destination—with more businesses, more visitors and a richer tourism offering,” she stated.

According to her, the “Mountain Package” serves as an opportunity for any Albanian who views their ancestral land not merely as a heritage, but as a foundation for building new enterprises, creating jobs and fostering greater development and prosperity in the area.

“The 26 beneficiaries of the “Mountain Package” represent just the first step toward a new chapter for tourism and economic development in Gjinar,” Koçiu stated. /a.f/p.s./

Speaking at an event for the “Double Your Business” program—which has begun providing low-interest loans to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)—Rama noted that the initiative arose from the need to provide close support to SMEs that have successfully established themselves and survived the challenges of starting up in an open market.

“These enterprises have managed to overcome the difficulties typically faced by any new small business; today, they possess the know-how and a clear vision for growth, but lack the financial means to expand, given a banking sector where interest rates are currently not particularly favorable,” Rama said.

According to the prime minister, these are businesses that are not yet fully consolidated and require support. “For this reason, we have created this scheme, which effectively offers a loan with an interest rate of up to 2%—a highly favorable rate—backed by a state guarantee of up to 70%,” said Rama.

The Head of Government announced that the financing amount reaches up to 2 million euros, with a repayment term of up to 10 years.

Rama emphasized that this is a highly favorable framework designed specifically for small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as for anyone with a growth idea and plan who requires financing.

“The growing interest in this program is highly encouraging, with approximately 400 businesses currently navigating the application pipeline. As of October 5th, we have approved 32 loans totaling roughly €5 million. Momentum is building rapidly: approvals climbed from 5 in August to 20 in September, with another 7 finalized in just the first five days of October. While this growth is substantial, considerable capacity remains to support even more enterprises,” Rama noted. /a.f/p.s./

During a meeting with the local residents and the first beneficiaries of the program in Vau i Dejës, Koçiu said that this initiative aims to turn the lands of the ancestors “from a place of memories to a place of opportunities and development for families and Albania”.

She noted that while coastal areas have benefited from rapid economic and tourist development, the focus has now shifted to mountainous areas.

Speaking about the progress of the program, the Deputy Prime Minister said that so far there have been approved over 400 development areas in 52 municipalities in the country, while the number of approved applications has exceeded 1,200.

“This means that there has been an extraordinary interest”, she said.

Koçiu explained that the process is held in cooperation with the municipalities, where applicants must submit the property ownership documentation.

She also responded to criticism of the package, emphasizing that the program is not designed for large or foreign investors.

“There has been a lot of misinformation saying that this is a package for oligarchs or foreign investors. In fact, it is quite the opposite. This is an extraordinary opportunity for family businesses, for local residents of mountainous areas and for those who have not had the opportunity to develop their properties for years due to lack of documentation or inability to invest,” Koçiu said.

According to her, the “Mountain Package” is complemented by the “Double Your Entrepreneurship” program, which creates financing opportunities for enterprises through loans with subsidized interest rates of 2–3%, repayment terms of up to 10 years and sovereign guarantees that cover up to 70% of the collateral.

Koçiu said that the concrete examples of the first beneficiaries of the program are evidence of the progress of this initiative and invited residents to share their experiences on the process followed so far. /e.xh/p.s./

During an open conversation with residents about the “Mountain Package”, Rama urged citizens to examine the initiative’s details and ignore the misinformation surrounding it. He stressed that the proposed package does the exact opposite of claims that it will seize owners’ properties or transfer them to third parties.

“Far from benefiting usurpers, oligarchs, or outsiders, the Mountain Package is designed solely to help local property heirs develop their ancestral land where Law 7501 does not apply”, Rama stated.

He said that in these communities, inherited land boundaries remain unchanged and there are no boundary disputes among neighbors.

Rama used a local resident’s situation to explain how the new property formalization package functions. According to Rama, heirs with rightful claims who are missing from cadastral registers can now formalize their ownership. “Take Marian and his two brothers,” Rama said. “They own their land by custom, but on paper, it is state property. Essentially, they are customary owners who lack legal titles. Currently, the Cadastre has no record of this property other than as state land.

He also explained that the symbolic 1-euro price is designed to revitalize mountainous areas by converting inherited properties into active engines of community development.

/gj.m/j.p/p.s./

During an online conversation with citizens, Rama stated that rather than selling off mountains, the Mountain Package creates development opportunities for individuals who have inherited or farmed rural land for years, but struggled to obtain legal titles.

“We are not selling the mountains; instead, we are opening them up for those who have inherited ancestral mountain property,” said Rama.

According to him, the “Mountain Package” empowers citizens and emigrants to transform ancestral property into profitable economic assets. By offering simplified permit processes and incentives for agrotourism and agro-processing, the government is unlocking thousands of diaspora investments to fuel the country’s booming tourism sector.

He added that the Mountain Package is the result of long consultations and efforts with local communities, refuting claims that it infringes on property rights.

“I have not seen any community affected by this package say that their properties are being taken away. They are looking forward to it,” Rama said.

Responding to a commenter in the social media who wrote “A small Switzerland will be built, but it is not being built,” Rama said that the development of mountain areas is achieved by creating opportunities for residents to invest in harmony with nature.

“It is done precisely by giving people the opportunity to invest in harmony with nature and create well-being without being forced to abandon those mountains,” he said.

Responding to online criticism, he noted that the negativity doesn’t bother him, but rather ‘keeps him motivated and strong. /gj.m/j.p/p.s./

In a press statement after a regular cabinet meeting, Ibrahimaj said the government had approved three key draft laws as part of Albania’s EU accession process, specifically under Chapter 6 of the negotiations, which concerns company law and European corporate structures.

She said the legislation forms part of a broader package of nine laws designed to ensure that Albanian companies operate under the same conditions and enjoy the same opportunities as businesses across the EU.

According to Ibrahimaj, one of the draft laws approved today concerns the statute of European companies and establishes, for the first time, a comprehensive legal framework in this area.

“This law creates a legal framework that did not previously exist in Albania. It is fully aligned with EU legislation and will facilitate stronger cooperation between Albanian and European companies,” she said.

The two other draft laws regulate European cooperative societies and European economic interest groupings, completing part of the legal framework required to integrate Albanian businesses more closely with the European market.

Ibrahimaj said the three draft laws are expected to be submitted to parliament for approval in July, in line with commitments undertaken during EU accession negotiations.

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In an interview given on a podcast, Disha said that approximately 260 applications have been submitted in Librazhd from residents looking to invest in local tourism and develop mountain guesthouses.

“It is a considerable number. Most of them are residents who have expressed their desire, have brought projects to invest in their hometowns, which shows the confidence they have in the development of tourism in Librazhd”, said Disha. /e.i/r.e/a.f/p.s./

Speaking during a briefing after the government meeting, Demo said that the number of municipalities with approved priority areas has reached 40.

“We have approved priority areas for four additional municipalities today, bringing the total to 40. Interest in the ‘Mountain Package’ remains high across all designated municipalities. Furthermore, many more municipalities are scheduled to approve these areas in their upcoming council meetings”, said Demo.

Demo added that analysis shows rising interest in rural economic development among local residents and the Albanian diaspora alike.

” With the approval of the final four municipalities, we expect to significantly accelerate the application process across the territory,” said Demo. /m.q/j.p/p.s./