A new €20 million financing agreement has been signed between the European Investment Bank and Intesa Sanpaolo Bank Albania to strengthen support for Albanian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with a focus on innovation, digitalisation, technology, and green investments.
The agreement was formalised in Tirana during a high-level ceremony attended by Prime Minister Edi Rama, Minister of Economy and Innovation Delina Ibrahimaj, and President of the European Investment Bank Nadia Calviño, who was visiting Albania for the first time. Senior representatives from both financial institutions and the banking sector were also present.
Prime Minister Edi Rama welcomed the cooperation, describing SMEs as “the most important partners” in job creation and economic development. He emphasized that the new financing line will not only increase available capital but also bring valuable European expertise to Albanian businesses.
Rama noted that Albania is already working on expanding enterprise support programs and that the partnership with the European Investment Bank and Intesa Sanpaolo will help accelerate these efforts, particularly in innovation and business growth.
EU integration and reforms highlighted
In his remarks, the Prime Minister reiterated Albania’s commitment to European Union integration, stating that there is “no alternative to freedom, rule of law, and equality before the law.” He stressed that EU membership remains the country’s only strategic direction.
He also highlighted progress in governance reforms, including digital public services—now covering around 95% of administrative procedures—and improvements in public procurement systems, which have been positively assessed by international experts.
EIB President Nadia Calviño’s visit was described as a significant step in strengthening financial and institutional ties between Albania and the EU. The new financing is expected to be channelled through local banking systems to improve access to credit for SMEs and encourage sustainable investment.
The Albanian government also pointed to the newly established Albanian Development Bank as a future bridge for cooperation with international financial institutions.
Cultural and economic ties
Beyond economic cooperation, Prime Minister Rama also called for increased investment in culture, describing it as a key element in strengthening Albania’s connection with Europe and its identity within the European project.
The agreement marks another step in expanding EU-backed financial support for Albania’s private sector and reinforcing the country’s broader economic and integration agenda.
/Argumentum.al
