Germany and France Support Albania’s Energy Sector Reforms with EUR 100 Million Loan
published on 07 June 2023
Albania is undergoing a major transformation of its energy sector, aiming to create a more liberalized, transparent, and fair market that benefits consumers and businesses. The reform also helps Albania comply with the EU’s energy standards and regulations, as part of its path towards EU accession.
Germany and France are key partners of Albania in this reform process, providing financial and technical assistance through their development agencies KfW and AFD. Together with other international donors, they have supported Albania in developing a new pricing model, establishing Alpex (an energy market place) that fosters competition and private investment, and improving energy efficiency and distribution.
The second phase of the Policy-Based Loan (PBL) and separate agreements in support of the energy sector reform in Albania were signed on 6’th June by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Energy Ms. Belinda Balluku, Minister of Finance and Economy Ms. Delina Ibrahimaj, French Ambassador to Albania Ms. Elisabeth Barsacq, KfW Director for Southeast Europe and Turkey Mr. Klaus Müller and AFD Director for Western Balkans Region Mr. Dominique Hautbergue. The total loan agreements amount to 100 million euros.
The signing ceremony was attended by State Secretary at the German Ministry for Economic Development Cooperation (BMZ) Mr. Annen, German Ambassador to Albania Peter Zingraf and other high-level officials.
The loan was made possible thanks to the significant progress achieved by Albania in implementing the energy sector reform, thanks to the dedicated efforts by all relevant institutions in the sector (Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy, Ministry of Finance and Economy, Energy Regulator Entity, Korporata Elektroenergjitike SHqipate, Operatori Shperndarjes se Energjise Elekrtike group and daughter companies, Operatori i Sistemit te Transmetimit, Albanian Power Exchange).
The loan is accompanied by technical assistance grants from the German Government (1.5 million euros implemented by KfW) and AFD (1.4 million euros implemented by Expertise France), which provide consultancy services and capacity building for the Albanian authorities.
KfW Office Albania German Development Cooperation
Florion Ferro
AFD, Tirana Office
Marija Stankovic
Tel: +381 11.78.58.830
