The Council of Ministers has approved new rules governing the organisation and operation of the Agency for the Treatment of Concessions and Public-Private Partnerships (ATRAKO), defining its responsibilities, funding, service fees and additional payments for employees involved in feasibility studies.

Under the decision, ATRAKO will operate as a public budgetary institution based in Tirana and report to the minister responsible for the economy.

The agency will provide technical assistance to central and local government institutions as they identify and prepare concession and public-private partnership (PPP) projects. It will also prepare feasibility studies for central government projects. Local government institutions, meanwhile, will receive this service for a separate fee, subject to the agency’s capacity.

The decision also introduces fees for successful bidders before they sign concession contracts. These range from 700,000 lek for projects worth up to 700 million lek to 1.4 million lek for investments of up to 2.1 billion lek, 2.8 million lek for projects worth up to 7 billion lek and 4.2 million lek for investments exceeding that amount.

Additionally, the agency may charge a separate fee to cover the documented costs of external consultants involved in feasibility studies. The maximum rate will range from 1.5% to 0.5% of the investment value, depending on the project’s size.

The decision also provides additional compensation for ATRAKO employees who directly prepare feasibility studies. They may receive up to one gross monthly salary for each completed and officially submitted study, with a maximum of three studies per year. The agency will calculate payments based on documented contributions and available funds.

ATRAKO will also oversee contract implementation, monitor compliance with concession and PPP standards and procedures, and establish and manage the Register of Concessions and Public-Private Partnerships.

The current agency will continue operating until the new structure becomes fully operational. The new decision will replace Council of Ministers Decision No. 285 of April 10, 2020, once the new rules take effect.

The decision will enter into force alongside Law No. 88/2025, “On Concessions and Public-Private Partnerships”.

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