Albania to Implement 25% Minimum Net Wage Hike to 50,000 Lek in 2026
Albania's government has announced plans to increase the bottom net wage by 25%, raising it to 50,000 Lek (approximately €500) starting January 2026. The initiative, led by Minister of Economy and Innovation Delina Ibrahimaj, aims to bolster the economic well-being of citizens, with businesses receiving an 18-month tax relief on the additional wage amount.
Albania Initiates Implementation of Instant Payments System, Adopting TIPS Clone for Western Balkans
Albania's central bank has begun implementing a local version of the European Central Bank's TARGET Instant Payment Settlement (TIPS) system, known as TIPS Clone. This initiative aims to enable instant cross-border payments within the Western Balkans, fostering regional financial integration and aligning with EU standards. The system is expected to be operational by mid-2026.