The recent EU assessment offers a first, clear-eyed snapshot of reform momentum under the Reform and Growth Facility. Albania’s reform trajectory shows a split-screen performance across policy areas: digitalization and human capital are advancing strongly, green energy and private‑sector competitiveness sit at a mixed middle, while rule of law and fundamental rights drag down overall progress. Across two reporting periods, Albania completed 21 of 41 steps, securing less than half of the available funds. The pattern behind the numbers matters as much as the score: lower‑effort measures tend to land, but medium‑complexity reforms that require cross‑institutional coordination seem to stall.
This brief explores the European Commission’s assessment to unpack where performance clusters by policy area, where reform milestones remain unfulfilled, and how institutional disparities and consultation gaps shape results. It is useful for policymakers calibrating next steps, civil society and media tracking accountability and transparency, and EU partners gauging reform quality beyond box‑ticking. Explore the narrative and evidence, and dive into the recommendations and data to see what’s working, what’s stalling, and where focused action can move the needle.
Download the brief here:
IDM Reform Agenda Snapshot
