The International Monetary Fund criticizes the fiscal amnesty in its latest statement on Albania. Furthermore, it assesses the country’s economic performance, emphasizing that demographics will be a key challenge for the future.

Albania is currently recording one of the highest economic growth rates in Europe, low inflation, declining public debt, and strong foreign currency reserves. Supported by this stable foundation, the country finds itself at a decisive moment, as the government is implementing a broad reform agenda aimed at achieving European Union membership by 2030.

However, although Albania is one of the fastest-growing economies in Europe, the challenges behind this growth are numerous, according to the IMF’s latest statement. Growth remains heavily driven by tourism, while external risks have increased.

On the other hand, a rapid decline in the working-age population may worsen labor shortages, fuel inflation, require a more restrictive monetary policy, and weaken growth prospects. Demographic trends are therefore expected to significantly increase expenditures related to pensions and healthcare.

In its statement, the IMF reiterates its opposition to the fiscal amnesty, which conceals fines worth 1 billion euros, potentially undermining confidence in the audit system and reversing progress made in modernizing the tax administration.

The IMF has also repeated its warnings regarding the rapid increase of real estate lending, which requires careful monitoring to assess its impact on systemic risk.