projection – Albanian Telegraphic Agency.

EBRD raises Albania 2026 growth forecast to 3.5%

Urim Shera — Thu, 24 Sep 2026 12:41:37 +0000

TIRANA, Sept. 24 /ATA/ – The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) raised its forecast for Albania’s economic growth in 2026 to 3.5% from 3.4%, citing reforms and investment linked to the country’s European Union accession process.

The EBRD said in its latest report that Albania’s economy grew 3.8% in 2025 and maintained strong momentum at the start of this year, expanding 3.7% in the first quarter, driven particularly by public administration, construction and real estate.

The country’s external position also improved, with a narrower current account deficit, while record tourism revenues and strong remittances continued to support the economy. Foreign direct investment rose 11% year-on-year in the first quarter.

Public finances also strengthened. The budget moved into surplus in the first half of the year, following a deficit equivalent to 1.8% of GDP in 2025, while public debt fell to 49% of GDP by mid-year.

Credit growth remained strong and asset quality in the banking sector improved. The EBRD said these developments, together with investment and reforms linked to EU integration, would support economic growth in the period ahead.

The bank also flagged risks to the outlook, including competitiveness pressures, climate-related risks and volatility in energy prices.

Across the Western Balkans, the EBRD expects economies to grow by an average 3% in 2026 and 3.5% in 2027. Albania is forecast to grow 3.5% in both years.

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IMF cuts forecast for Albania’s economic growth in 2022 to 2% on Ukraine war impact

Urim Shera — Tue, 19 Apr 2022 14:32:49 +0000

TIRANA, April 19 /ATA/ – The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has significantly cut its growth forecast this year for Albanian economy to just 2%, down from a previous growth projection of 4.5% in October 2021.

The Fund said in the April edition of its World Economic Outlook report on Tuesday that Albanian economy will significantly slow down amid the Ukraine war spillover.

Last week, Moody’s International Credit Rating Agency also revised down its forecast for GDP growth to 3.4% and 3.6% (from 4.5% and 4.0% previously), due to the negative, mainly indirect, economic impact of the Russia-Ukraine military conflict and the international sanctions imposed on Russia.

The Agency reconfirmed the rating of Albanian economy at “B1 – with a stable outlook” in its latest updated report published on April 13.

Meanwhile, according to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Albanian economy is expected to expand by 3.3% in 2022, lowering its November projection for the country’s economic growth by 0.4 percentage points.

The country’s National Statistics Office, INSTAT, said that the Albanian economy recorded a strong recovery in 2021 after shrinking due to the total COVID-19 lockdown in 2020.

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GDP growth forecast up to 5.5% for this year

Atila Kota — Wed, 21 Jul 2021 13:05:30 +0000

TIRANA, July 21/ATA/ The Minister of Finance and Economy, Anila Denaj stated today that, the economic growth in Albania is forecast up to 5.5% for this year.

During an interview, Minister Denaj said that, the next year public debt will continue to remain at 80%, while there will be a relaxation of the GDP.

“Today we are involved in information management related to the pandemic that has its limitations, which will continue to condition budgetary funds for vaccination in the next few years, mainly in the next two or three years. This mid-term budget review has already been approved. Budget funds will be used for vaccination as long as it may be needed,” Minister Denaj said.

Albania faces 263 million euros in liabilities arising from arbitration courts. //a.i/