Albania’s 2027 budget will reach €10 billion for the first time, with 30% allocated to social protection, Finance Minister Petrit Malaj said in a television interview.

As part of the plan, the government has allocated €250 million to pensions in 2027, including funding for pension indexation. In addition, it plans to double the monthly pension bonus in 2028 as part of a gradual three-year programme.

Meanwhile, payments for children with disabilities will also double. Malaj said the measure, introduced in July this year, would continue over the next three years. The budget will also cover social and health insurance contributions for their caregivers, with those contributions recognised as years of employment.

Separately, the government is revising its baby bonus scheme. Under the planned changes, children from birth to five years old will receive monthly payments, which will double.

Finally, students from families in need will receive additional monthly support of ALL 25,000.

/a.p./