TIRANA, January 8 – The Ministry of Finance will prioritize increasing budget revenues, combating informal economic activity, and improving services for citizens and businesses in 2026.

At the start of the year, Minister of Finance Petrit Malaj met with leaders of the Tax Administration and the Customs Administration. During the meeting, they discussed main priorities and strategic objectives for 2026.

Minister Malaj said that the discussion covered increasing revenues, strengthening control and risk analysis, fighting informal economic activity, and improving services for citizens and businesses. He added that authorities would pay special attention to meeting European Union standards, aligning legislation, and modernizing tax and customs processes.

Furthermore, the minister highlighted the need to strengthen inter-institutional cooperation and enhance revenue collection efficiency. He explained that using technology would ensure transparency and provide faster services. He also noted that this approach would create a more citizen- and business-oriented administration.

According to Ministry of Finance projections, budget revenues for 2026 are expected to reach 823.1 billion Albanian Lekë (ALL), or 29.6% of GDP. This marks an increase of 52.9 billion ALL compared with 2025. Minister Malaj described the rise as a positive sign of the fiscal administration’s performance and the government’s efforts to formalize the economy.

Looking ahead, the Ministry of Finance will continue deep reforms in tax and customs administration throughout 2026. In addition, authorities aim to further increase revenues, strengthen business confidence, and improve public services.

/a.p./