Edi Rama

Prime Minister — Albania

Country momentum 0 — Quarterly momentum: the Bureau's read on the country's trajectory over the last quarter, from −10 (deteriorating fast) to +10 (accelerating).

• Kept Albania the EU-accession front-runner in the Western Balkans, with the EBRD citing accession-linked reforms behind its 2026 growth upgrade. The Sazan island deal with Jared Kushner interests and a plan to cut MPs from 140 to 100 drew 2026 civic protests.
• EBRD raised the 2026 growth forecast to 3.5% in September 2026, citing accession-linked reforms and investment; S&P sees 3.4%. FDI rose 11% year-on-year in Q1 2026 and the budget moved into surplus in H1.
• Tourism and remittances sustain growth but the informal economy is estimated at around 50% of GDP, blunting reform. Emigration continues to drain the workforce.
• NATO member since 2009; EU candidate in active accession negotiations. Public finances strengthened on the EU path, with public debt falling to 49% of GDP by mid-2026.