Albania has further reduced its economic assistance budget for vulnerable families, reaching the lowest level in the past six years.

In the first half of 2025, only 12.9 billion lekë were allocated for poor families—representing a 5% decline compared to 2024. This marks a continued drop from the 2020 peak, when support reached 14.5 billion lekë at the height of the pandemic.

• In 2021, funds fell to 13.9 billion lekë.

• In 2022, they dropped further to 13.5 billion lekë.

• Since then, reductions have continued, even as inflation and living costs have risen steadily.

Experts warn that these cuts deepen inequality and make it harder for families to maintain even a basic standard of living.

According to regional comparisons, Albania now ranks among the lowest in the Balkans for social protection spending, with the average monthly assistance per family amounting to just €70.

The shrinking budget highlights the growing gap between state support and the real needs of low-income households, raising concerns about poverty reduction efforts in the country.