Environment Minister Sofjan Jaupaj presented amendments to Albania’s environmental protection law to the Assembly of Albania. The changes cover nature restoration, carbon removal certification and the National Environment Fund.

Jaupaj said the bill would help align Albania’s environmental policies with European Union standards. It would establish the institutional framework for implementing the EU Nature Restoration Regulation 2024/1991. The Environment Ministry would coordinate the process, while relevant institutions would receive clearly defined responsibilities. The bill would also establish mechanisms for ecosystem data exchange, mapping and a national nature restoration plan.
Meanwhile, the proposal would create a legal basis for voluntary certification schemes covering carbon removal, carbon storage and emissions reduction.

Jaupaj said the system could encourage private investment in projects with measurable environmental benefits. It would not impose immediate obligations on citizens or businesses.

The amendments would also make the National Environment Fund, first designed in 2011, operational. The fund would support environmental projects through grants and other financial instruments. Jaupaj said the changes would strengthen implementation capacity and help bring Albania’s environmental framework into line with EU legislation.

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