Finance Minister Petrit Malaj announced that revenues from taxes and customs, including social and health insurance contributions, reached €6.7 billion in 2025. This marks an increase of about €560 million compared to 2024.

Furthermore, he said that in 2026, the government expects revenues to rise by another €540 million. As a result, total growth over two years will exceed €1 billion.

“These revenues come from efficient tax and customs administration, not from higher taxes,” Malaj emphasized.

He added that steady economic growth allows the government to implement key social policies in the 2026–2028 Medium-Term Budget Program. These policies include raising and indexing pensions, increasing the minimum wage, and adjusting public administration salaries every two years.

Additionally, the government will increase budget spending for priority sectors such as education, social protection, healthcare, and agriculture.

Malaj highlighted major achievements in 2025, including the successful €650 million Eurobond issued in February. Investors demanded 4.3 times more than the offered amount, marking one of the highest coverage levels ever.

The government also launched the Sovereign Guarantee for agriculture in 2025. This program provides farmers with about €30 million in soft loans at a 2% interest rate and guarantees up to 70% of each loan. It will continue in 2026.

Moreover, in cooperation with the Bank of Albania, the government approved a €250 million credit line. It will fund small and medium enterprises with soft loans at interest rates up to 3%.

Malaj noted that the state-owned company “Albtrace” now provides fiscal stamp and fuel marking services. Previously, private concession contracts managed these services. The initiative is expected to generate about €10 million annually for the state budget.

At the end of 2025, the government founded the Albanian Development Bank, modeled on Italy’s Casa Depositi e Prestiti. The bank will support underfunded economic sectors and strategic government projects with economic and social impact.

Looking ahead to 2026, Malaj highlighted key priorities. These include the draft law on mandatory earthquake insurance, agricultural insurance programs for crops in cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture, and fully aligning tax and customs legislation with EU directives.

Furthermore, the government aims to obtain accreditation and implement the IPARD III program this year.

Malaj emphasized that 2026 will be the year of Artificial Intelligence in fiscal administration. He will expand AI modules in taxes and customs to increase revenue, reduce informal activity, and improve service quality for citizens and businesses.