Municipalities across the country will receive 1.2 billion lek from next year’s state budget for disaster protection, a fund that is 200 million lek higher than the current allocation.

In 2026, all 61 municipalities will have this amount available to manage high-risk situations such as fires and possible floods.

The increased budget aims to address needs identified by institutions such as the World Bank and other organizations in their reports on climate-related risks.

With these funds, around 80% of the country’s drainage systems (hydrovors) will be built or reconstructed, compared to 75% this year, with the goal of preventing floods.

Local government experts consider next year’s fund to be largely sufficient, although it could also lead to higher local budget expenditures if compensation is needed for flooded agricultural land.

Albania ranks as the most disaster-prone country in Europe, underlining the urgent need for additional measures in disaster prevention and management.