Albania
Albania is a priority country of Switzerland’s transition cooperation with Eastern Europe. Over the past 30 years, the country has shifted to a democracy and market economy. SECO’s ongoing cooperation projects in Albania focus on creating a resilient macroeconomic framework, fostering an innovation-friendly business environment, and promoting sound urban infrastructure services and energy management.
Country context
Albania has weathered multiple, consecutive shocks in recent years: an earthquake in 2019, the Covid-19 pandemic, the Russian war in Ukraine and the resulting energy crisis. However, economic growth remains robust, driven by private consumption, services (including tourism) and construction. Furthermore, Albania is undergoing a structural transformation of its economy, with a shift from the agriculture sector to a fast-growing tourism sector. As an accession candidate since 2014, Albania remains strongly committed to its EU accession goals, aligning closely with Western partners. The accession process creates positive momentum for development, driving forward important economic reforms and addressing key areas such as competitiveness, public sector efficiency and public financial management.
What are SECO’s objectives?
SECO and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) jointly define and implement the Swiss cooperation programme in Albania. Together, they are active in the areas of democratic governance, economic development and employment, urban infrastructure and climate change, as well as health. SECO mainly focuses on:
From 2022 to 2025, a total of some CHF 105 million is foreseen for Swiss transition cooperation with Albania, including a SECO contribution of approximately CHF 40 million.