Albania
This roadmap aims to assist the Albanian government in establishing robust policy foundations for a successful circular economy transition.
As an EU candidate country, Albania has committed to align with European climate objectives by endorsing the Sofia Declaration on the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans, with the circular economy transition being its key component. Recognising the prominent role of this transition in both national and regional development and proactively addressing the challenges posed by increasing climate change vulnerabilities, reliance on imported raw materials and increased waste, Albania is now poised for a strategic framework followed by concrete actions to embark on this transformative journey.
Informed by a comprehensive diagnostic of Albania’s circular economy landscape, the roadmap strategically integrates existing policy initiatives, fostering synergies across sectors, measures and actors involved in this transformation. Highlighting three key areas where circular economy policies can have a significant impact in Albania – economic instruments, circular business models for SMEs and targeted solutions for plastics, with a focus on marine litter – the roadmap unveils 35 policy recommendations. These recommendations, supported by a monitoring framework, should serve as a cornerstone for propelling Albania towards a more sustainable and circular future.
This roadmap is designed to aid North Macedonia’s government in establishing a solid policy foundation for a successful transition to a circular economy.
As an EU candidate country, North Macedonia has pledged to align with European climate objectives, endorsing the Sofia Declaration on the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans, with a particular focus on the circular economy transition. Acknowledging the pivotal role of this transition in national and regional development and actively addressing challenges posed by climate change, reliance on imported raw materials and increased waste, North Macedonia is ready for a strategic framework and concrete actions to initiate this transformative process.
Derived from a comprehensive diagnostic of North Macedonia’s circular economy landscape, the roadmap strategically integrates existing policy initiatives, fostering synergies across sectors, measures and involved actors. It emphasises five key areas – circular business models for SMEs, construction, biomass and food, textile industry and mining and metallurgy – revealing over 40 policy recommendations. These recommendations, supported by a monitoring framework, are poised to be a cornerstone for propelling North Macedonia towards a more sustainable and circular future.
Albania can legally issue the following two types of rulings within the scope of the transparency framework: (i) preferential regimes; Industry Incentive Regime. (ii) cross-border unilateral APAs and any other cross-border unilateral tax rulings (such as an advance tax ruling) covering transfer pricing or the application of transfer pricing principles.
Albania’s legal framework implementing the AEOI Standard is in place but needs improvement in order to be fully consistent with the requirements of the AEOI Terms of Reference. While Albania’s international legal framework to exchange the information with all of Albania’s Interested Appropriate Partners (CR2) is consistent with the requirements, its domestic legislative framework requiring Reporting Financial Institutions to conduct the due diligence and reporting procedures (CR1) has deficiencies significant to the proper functioning of elements of the AEOI Standard. More specifically, the deficiencies relate to defining certain Entities subject to due diligence and the enforcement framework.
Albania can legally issue the following two types of rulings within the scope of the transparency framework: (i) preferential regimes; Industry Incentive Regime. and (ii) cross-border unilateral APAs and any other cross-border unilateral tax rulings (such as an advance tax ruling) covering transfer pricing or the application of transfer pricing principles.
Albania can legally issue the following two types of rulings within the scope of the transparency framework: (i) preferential regimes; Industry Incentive Regime. and (ii) cross-border unilateral APAs and any other cross-border unilateral tax rulings (such as an advance tax ruling) covering transfer pricing or the application of transfer pricing principles. Rulings in scope of the FHTP work are issued by the General Directorate of Taxation (GDT).
Albania has been proactive in strengthening its institutional, regulatory and operational environment for SME development since the 2012 SBA Assessment. The Business Investment and Development Strategy for 2014-2020 frames the country’s policy for promoting the SME sector. Albania has introduced a new e-government portal which eases business operations and launched a new tax filing system which allows for the online filing of all taxes. The National Business Centre acts as central one-stop shop for businesses. In addition, Albania has improved its policy framework for entrepreneurial learning. Going forward, the government should pay particular attention to formalising its regulatory impact analysis and developing a proportional approach to its use. It should strengthen the institutional support mechanisms for bankruptcy by developing an early warning system and second chance programmes. The Albanian government authorities should ensure that actions outlined in its strategies are systematically implemented, monitored and evaluated. Developing the necessary infrastructure and financial instruments will be necessary to promote innovation within SMEs. Targeted support services would help SMEs acquire the skills to move into knowledge-intensive sectors. Non-banking sources of finance remain limited and should be broadened.
Albania has experienced strong economic growth in recent years. This occurred alongside a shift in national output from agriculture and industry to services and construction. Despite being one of the poorest SEE economies, the country has weathered the global financial crisis quite well. It is the only South-East Europe (SEE) economy where real GDP growth is expected to remain positive in 2009. Real GDP had increased at an average rate of 6.2% between 2005 and 2008, one of the highest rates in the region. The International Monetary Fund and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) both forecast positive real GDP growth in 2009 of 1.8% and 3% respectively (IMF, 2009; EBRD, 2009).