TIRANA, December 29 – Albania’s EU integration does not affect institutions only, but also requires real preparation of Albanian businesses to operate in the single European market.

Deputy Minister of Economy and Innovation, Enkelejd Musabelliu, said membership must be accompanied by a structural transformation of businesses to ensure competitiveness and sustainable operation under unified EU rules. He stressed that companies need sufficient resources, effective organization, management, and market approach to compete successfully.

Musabelliu added that meeting production and operational standards is equally important. Businesses, especially non-exporters, must upgrade to function in the common European market. “There will be no separate realities for Albania and the EU. EU rules will apply here as well,” he noted.

The Ministry of Economy and Innovation has started drafting a national program to prepare Albanian businesses for the single market. It is based on three pillars: information, capacity building, and financial support.

Information will help companies understand the requirements of a market with 450 million consumers. Capacity building includes training consultants and businesses to improve operational and competitive skills. Financial support will come through sovereign loans, guarantees, grants, and other funding schemes.

Musabelliu emphasized that Albania has been aligning legislation with the EU for nearly three decades, currently reaching 60–65% alignment, with a goal of around 90% by accession. He also highlighted CEFTA as a preparatory tool for the common market and stressed the importance of product conformity recognition to avoid re-certification in the EU.

He added that the EU provides financial schemes, particularly in digitalization, innovation, and energy efficiency, directly accessible to businesses. Strengthening Albanian business capacity to access these funds remains a key priority in the EU integration process.

/a.p./