The Minister of the Environment, Sofjan Jaupaj, announced today the completion of the first phase of the waste reform and outlined the next steps. During a press conference, the minister emphasized that all projects related to this reform will begin implementation in 2027.

According to Jaupaj, the projects—developed in cooperation with the German and French governments and the European Commission—will be financed through bilateral agreements and funding from the European Commission. He also announced that the Ministry of the Environment is working to integrate environmental responsibility into the new Criminal Code, as part of a broader reform of legal accountability related to waste management.

Full statement by Minister Jaupaj:

“Projects are currently being implemented for the expansion of four regional landfills, the construction of seven new regional landfills, the building of 17 transfer stations, 10 waste recovery stations, and five composting centers in municipalities with an agricultural profile. Additionally, 49 illegal dumping sites across the country will be rehabilitated. All projects currently being drafted are being prepared in cooperation with the German and French governments and the European Commission, and their implementation will begin in 2027, as funding has been secured through bilateral agreements and agreements with the European Commission.

Regarding Sharrë, Fier, and Elbasan, these areas account for 65% of urban waste in Albania. For this reason, we have initiated cooperation with French partners to conduct feasibility studies for all three areas. By the end of the year, we will have a clear document covering the legal, technical, and financial aspects of how the Ministry of the Environment, together with the Waste Treatment Operator, will manage these three areas.

We will also support municipalities in terms of material resources. Specifically, during this year, 5,000 waste containers will be delivered to the three waste management zones of Berat, Tirana–Durrës, and Dibër. Municipalities will be required to begin waste separation at source. We are working to ensure that environmental responsibility, as part of the Environmental Liability Directive, is fully incorporated into the new Criminal Code. By the end of February, we will launch the air quality package, which includes the national strategy, a new law, and several implementation decisions,” said Minister Jaupaj.