Albania and Slovenia have successfully completed the second and final round of negotiations on an agreement covering employment and social security.

First, the two sides held talks in Tirana from February 2 to 4. As a result, they initialed the agreement.

Deputy Minister of Economy and Innovation Olta Manjani led the Albanian delegation. Working closely with the Slovenian side, headed by Mojca Pršina Kumar, she confirmed the successful initialing of this important agreement.

Moreover, Manjani stressed that the agreement strengthens bilateral cooperation in employment and social security. It protects citizens’ rights and aligns practices with European Union legislation.

In addition, citizens will benefit from the aggregation of contribution periods. This measure ensures that years of work do not go unrecognized. At the same time, the agreement guarantees easier access and equal rights in both labor markets.

Since 2005, Albania has signed around 28 social security agreements, including those with Turkey, Belgium, Hungary, Luxembourg, the Czech Republic, North Macedonia, Germany, Austria, Bulgaria, Canada, Romania, Kosovo, Switzerland, and Croatia.

Meanwhile, agreements with Montenegro and Bulgaria are expected to enter into force soon.

Furthermore, on June 1, 2025, Albania began implementing the pension agreement with Italy. This agreement secures pension rights for around half a million Albanians and 4,000 Italians.

Currently, negotiations with Poland and Serbia continue. At the same time, talks with France are close to reaching agreement on launching negotiations.

Finally, Spain, Denmark, Moldova, the United Arab Emirates, Israel, and Latvia have agreed to open negotiations, while the most complex and lengthy process remains the agreement with Greece.

/a.c/