Multi-dimensional Review of the Western Balkans
Assessing Opportunities and Constraints
The Western Balkans region has come a long way over the last two decades in achieving economic and social progress. With a population of 17.6 million, the region today boasts a combined gross domestic product (GDP) of close to EUR 100 billion, an average GDP per capita of about EUR 5 400 and a comprehensive process of integration with the European Union.
This report provides multi-dimensional assessments across the economic, social, finance, governance and environmental pillars of sustainable development for five economies of the region. The region’s location, its deep relationships with Europe and its academic tradition present many opportunities for future development, especially at a time when distances are shrinking further with digitalisation. Making the most of this potential will require collaboration in tackling challenges, which have been further exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Boosting competences and education, strengthening social cohesion and ensuring a green transformation towards clean energy and the valuation of the region’s natural wealth, emerge as strategic priorities. Beyond practical and financial constraints, future solutions must address considerable institutional and governance challenges that remain across the region.
Overview: Identifying strategic opportunities for Albania
Since its independence, Albania has achieved significant success across various social, economic and institutional dimensions. It became a democratic society with a functional open market economy. Productivity growth across all sectors has improved employment, incomes and standards of living. To address its development constraints and embrace a durable, sustainable and inclusive growth path, Albania needs a long-term vision. This chapter takes a holistic view of Albania’s development performance across a range of outcomes, spanning the breadth of the Sustainable Development Goals. It then outlines key strategic opportunities to help Albania improve the quality of life for all citizens, strengthen education and skills, find new sources of growth, build local government capabilities, broaden the revenue base, address air pollution, and respect diversity.
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