FIAA held a constructive consultation meeting with the Ministry of Finance represented by the Deputy Minister Mr. Endrit Yzeiraj to discuss key recommendations from the FIAA White Book 2025–2029 and the progress of Albania’s EU accession reforms.
The meeting focused on legislative alignment with the EU acquis and the White Book priorities under the competence of the Ministry of Finance, including the Tax Law, Corporate Income Tax, Local Taxes and Temporary Taxes, Fiscal Regime on Hydrocarbons, Fiscalisation Law, Cement Industry legislation, and the Electronic Communications Law.
During his presentation, Mr. Yzeiraj briefed on the process so far and on the upcoming stages in Chapters 16 and 29, respectively Taxation and Customs. In the next 18 months, the Albanian tax framework will undergo a fundamental transformation, where it will be necessary to:
· Align all levels of taxes, duties, and excise rates within the limits set by European directives.
· Build over 45 electronic systems for data transmission and full interoperability with European systems.
· Demonstrate clear capacities to successfully implement these new rules in the Albanian market.
The discussion followed with a highlight on the importance of a more transparent, structured, and predictable consultation process between the Ministry of Finance and the business community throughout Albania’s EU tax alignment process. FIAA members welcomed the Government’s commitment to EU integration and acknowledged the extensive work underway to align Albania’s legislation with the EU acquis. At the same time, businesses emphasized that successful reform depends not only on legislative alignment but also on consistent implementation, clear interpretation of tax legislation, early stakeholder engagement, and strengthened administrative capacity.
Participants raised concerns regarding limited advance consultation, inconsistent implementation of tax legislation – particularly in relation to VAT and the energy sector – the need for more systematic feedback on business recommendations, and enhanced technical training for tax inspectors. Businesses also called for regular communication, sector-specific consultations, publication of implementation timelines, and greater use of private sector expertise throughout the reform process.
The Deputy Minister Yzeiraj acknowledged these concerns, noting that the draft legislation is currently under review by the European Commission, meanwhile he further highlighted the three main pillars of their work focused mainly on Aligning Albania’s tax rates and legislation with EU minimum standards through a planned schedule of legal amendments; Ensuring Albania’s tax authorities can effectively understand, implement, and enforce EU tax legislation and developing/connecting the required electronic tax systems so they are fully compatible with EU systems before accession.
The Ministry also encouraged and reaffirmed its commitment to expanding stakeholder engagement once the legislative review process progresses.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to maintaining an open and constructive public-private dialogue. Both sides recognized that close cooperation between government and the business community is essential to ensuring that Albania’s EU accession process delivers a predictable, transparent, and investment-friendly regulatory environment.
As Albania advances on its European integration path, FIAA remains committed to contributing with practical expertise and policy recommendations that support sustainable economic development and improve the country’s investment climate.
FIAA extends its sincere appreciation to the Ministry of Finance, Deputy Minister Endrit Yzeiraj and his team for their openness and constructive engagement.
FIAA Representatives: Marinela Jazoj, Alba Paparisto, İbrahim Halil KILIÇ, Kelly Clutterbuck
FIAA Members present: KPMG Albania, Ernst & Young Albania, Deloitte Albania, PwC Albania, Coca-Cola Bottling Shqipëria, Ayen Energy Trading, Delegation of the European Union to Albania, NOA Holding, One Albania, Saint-Gobain Albania, Statkraft, TITAN Albania, Vodafone Albania, Voltalia Albanie, MADCOM, Philip Morris Albania, and Banka Kombëtare Tregtare.
