EIB Global Invests €50M to Transform Northern Albania with Tourism Corridor Linking Alps to Adriatic

“We are helping Albania bring infrastructure closer to EU standards, increasing attractiveness and expanding economic opportunities in these regions,” said EIB Representative Alessandro de Concini.

In a major boost to Albania's regional development ambitions, the European Investment Bank's development arm, EIB Global, has approved €50 million in financing to upgrade infrastructure and unlock economic potential in the country's northern municipalities of Shkodër, Lezhë, and Malësi e Madhe.

The investment marks a strategic push to modernise essential services, enhance connectivity, and position northern Albania as a year-round tourism destination—anchored by a groundbreaking project that will, for the first time, directly link the Albanian Alps to the Adriatic coast.

Transforming Infrastructure to EU Standards

The Albanian government will deploy the funding across a wide range of critical infrastructure upgrades, including:

• Regional and local road networks

• Urban squares and boulevards

• Public transport systems

• Water supply and sewage infrastructure

• Restoration and development of natural and historical sites

These improvements are aimed at aligning Albania's infrastructure more closely with European Union standards while strengthening the region's attractiveness for investment and tourism.

"We are helping Albania bring infrastructure closer to EU standards, increasing attractiveness and expanding economic opportunities in these regions," said EIB Representative Alessandro de Concini.

'Gate of Alps': A Game-Changing Tourism Corridor

At the heart of the initiative is the flagship "Gate of Alps" project, which will create an integrated tourism corridor connecting the mountainous northern regions with Albania's Adriatic coastline.

This development is expected to:

• Enable year-round tourism, from winter mountain experiences to summer coastal travel

• Improve access between key natural attractions such as Lake Shkodër, the Alps, and coastal areas

• Stimulate local economies through increased visitor flows and business opportunities

"For the first time, we are creating an integrated corridor linking the Alps to the Adriatic coast," said Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi, noting that the project will significantly enhance quality of life and regional connectivity.

Driving Economic Growth and Job Creation

With a total investment value of €100 million, the broader programme is being positioned as one of the most significant development interventions in northern Albania.

Finance Minister Petrit Malaj described it as a "strategic intervention" that will deliver tangible benefits to communities, including:

• Job creation through construction and tourism

• Increased business opportunities

• Improved public services and living standards

The targeted municipalities—located near Lake Shkodër and other key природные assets—are expected to emerge as major hubs for sustainable tourism and regional commerce.

Integrated Development Approach

Beyond physical infrastructure, the programme adopts a holistic development model, combining investments in:

• Urban regeneration

• Environmental protection

• Water and sanitation systems

• Sustainable mobility and transport

This integrated approach is designed to ensure long-term resilience, reduce pollution, and support balanced territorial development.

Technical Support to Accelerate Implementation

To support project preparation and execution, EIB Global is also providing a €1.75 million technical assistance grant, funded under its Economic Resilience Initiative.

The grant will help develop a comprehensive investment programme, with implementation led by the Albanian Development Fund.

Executive Director Dritan Agolli highlighted the significance of the partnership, noting that the initiative represents "a key milestone for regional development," combining multiple investments to transform the region holistically.

Long-Term Partnership with Albania

EIB Global's latest financing builds on a longstanding relationship with Albania, with nearly €900 million invested over the past three decades in infrastructure and development projects.

The new funding reinforces the EU's commitment to supporting Albania's economic integration, sustainability goals, and regional development.

Positioning Northern Albania for the Future

By connecting remote mountainous regions with coastal tourism hubs, modernising infrastructure, and fostering investment, the project is expected to redefine northern Albania's economic landscape.

As Albania continues its journey toward EU integration, initiatives like this signal a shift toward sustainable, inclusive growth—where infrastructure, tourism, and environmental stewardship converge to unlock long-term prosperity.