By Law No. 74/2025 dated 04.12.2025, the Assembly of the Republic of Albania has adopted a new legal framework for the implementation of extended producer responsibility, fundamentally reforming the way in which waste from products is managed after the end of their life cycle. This law constitutes one of the most significant developments in the field of environmental law and market regulation, with a direct impact on producers, importers, and economic operators placing products on the Albanian market.

Albania is preparing to amend its competition framework to better address anti-competitive practices and align with EU standards. A draft law introducing changes to the Competition Law has been presented but has not yet been discussed in Parliament. The proposed amendments would grant the Albanian Competition Authority (ACA) broader powers, particularly to scrutinize so-called “killer acquisitions,” and would clarify rules on abuse of dominant position and coordinated practices. For Albania’s business and legal community, these changes signal a more vigilant enforcement environment while also offering greater legal certainty. In addition, new regulations are expected to be adopted to further approximate Albanian law to EU competition rules.

The General Directorate of Taxation (“GDT”) has introduced indicative salary levels for various professions in the construction sector. According to the GDT, salaries reported in the payrolls of construction companies will be analysed and compared against these newly published benchmarks. This assessment aims to identify taxpayers who may be underreporting employee wages and, as a result, failing to pay the correct social security contributions.

On 16.10.2025, the Parliament of the Republic of Albania adopted a new law that aims to establish a comprehensive and sustainable system for integrated waste management across the territory of the Republic of Albania. This law is based on the principles of environmental protection, public health, and the gradual transition toward a circular economy, where waste is regarded not only as a problem but also as a resource for recovery and recycling. The main objective is to reduce the negative impacts of waste, increase resource-use efficiency, and ensure a functional and transparent system.

Albania’s post-election agenda is shifting into high gear, with a newly seated parliament pushing EU accession alignment and sector reforms, according to Lalaj & Partners Partner Sabina Lalaj, who says momentum is visible across key areas, from environmental legislation and SEPA integration to construction, real estate, and tourism.

On August 25, 2025, the National Council of Territory and Water (KKTU) approved Decision No. 01, which sets forth the procedures for on-site verification of properties registered with the cadastral designation “orchard” or “olive grove” as part of the review process for development and construction permit applications.

Albania has taken another decisive step toward harmonising its legislation with EU standards by releasing for public consultation a draft law “On Whistleblowing and the Protection of Whistleblowers”. The draft law closely follows Directive (EU) 2019/1937 and is expected to reshape how both public institutions and private entities handle reports of misconduct.

In July 2025, the Albanian Data Protection Commissioner adopted Guidance No. 05/2025 on the Processing of Personal Data by Competent Authorities (“Guidance”), marking an important step toward operationalising Law No. 124/2024, Albania’s GDPR-aligned data protection law. This guidance introduces essential obligations for authorities tasked with maintaining public order and national security, such as the police, prosecution, courts, and other public bodies involved in crime prevention or investigation.

After 17 years of being regulated under a unified legal framework alongside other industrial property rights, trademarks in Albania will now be governed by a dedicated legal instrument.

This summer, the Albanian National Assembly adopted a significant package of amendments to the Law on Foreigners, signalling a clear shift toward aligning national migration rules with key EU directives. While the legal changes are substantial, their purpose is broader: to simplify how Albania governs entry, residence, and work rights for foreign nationals, especially those from the European Union. The reform reflects both Albania’s political will to approximate the EU acquis and a growing recognition that the country must adapt to new demographic, labour, and mobility dynamics. While the amendments cover a wide range of areas, we highlight below the provisions most likely to impact foreign nationals and their interactions with Albanian institutions.

On 03.07.2025, the Albanian Parliament approved Law No. 56/2025, adding a new provision to Law No. 7764, dated 02.11.1993, “On Foreign Investments”, as amended. This law was published in the Official Gazette on 11.07.2025.

In a significant development for the personal data protection landscape in Albania, the Council of Ministers has adopted Decision No. 347, dated 19 June 2025, establishing a new state database titled “Electronic Registry of Data Protection Officers” (DPO Registry). This marks a major milestone in the country’s efforts to align its data governance infrastructure with international and European standards, in line with the newly reformed legal framework on personal data protection.

On date 02.07.2025, with Decision No. 30, the Council of Ministers approved changes and additions to Decision no. 42, dated 16.01.2008 “On the regulation that determines the criteria and procedures for granting professional licenses for construction.”

As Brussels adopts one of the most ambitious environmental regulations in recent years, Albania once again finds itself at a familiar crossroads. The country faces pressure to align but still lacks the institutional capacity and market readiness to act meaningfully.

Former Deloitte Legal Senior Managing Associate Ened Topi has joined Lalaj & Partners as a Partner.

Albania’s start to 2025 has been largely shaped by national elections, which have stalled most developments, according to Hoxha, Memi & Hoxha Partner Dorant Ekmekciu. The focus has been on key judicial appointments and ongoing discussions about the independence of the anti-corruption body.

As part of the broader effort to harmonise national legislation with the EU General Data Protection Regulation, the Albanian Data Protection Commissioner issued Instruction No. 2, dated 30 April 2025 (Instruction No. 2), on the protection of personal data in the health sector. This Instruction repeals the previous 2020 framework and establishes a comprehensive set of rules governing the collection, use, and disclosure of health and genetic data.

The Bank of Albania has introduced a new regulatory framework on marketing and advertising by financial institutions, significantly enhancing consumer protection and transparency in the financial sector. The changes, enacted through Decision No. 11, dated 5 February 2025, amend the Regulation “On Transparency for Banking and Financial Products and Services” and enter into force on 1 May 2025.