Albania and the declarations on a “Sustainable Economy”: How much reality and how much politics?

In recent years, the phrase “sustainable economy” has taken a permanent place in political speeches, institutional reports, and public commentary in Albania. A term that, in principle, inspires trust: an economy that grows without destroying the environment, that ensures well-being for all, and that builds a sustainable future for the next generations. But what lies behind this declaration in the Albanian reality? And more importantly: how meaningful is it for the everyday life of ordinary citizens?

In international theory, a sustainable economy is a system that achieves economic growth while maintaining a balance between economic development, social equity, and environmental protection. It is an economy that does not consume natural resources uncontrollably and that builds strong foundations for the well-being of future generations. It is a beautiful promise on the pages of reports.

In Albania, this term is increasingly used to describe some undeniable macroeconomic achievements: an average annual growth of around 3–4%, a budget deficit that has significantly decreased since 2014, and a public debt that, although high, remains within the “manageable” framework as assessed by the IMF and EBRD. On the surface, the Albanian economy has shown a kind of resilience to global crises such as the pandemic or the war in Ukraine.

However, behind this facade of macroeconomic stability lie deep flaws that make “sustainability” more of a political slogan than a tangible reality. The structure of Albania’s economic growth remains fragile and dependent on sectors that do not create long-term sustainable value: construction, seasonal tourism, and remittances from emigrants. Foreign investments are mostly focused on infrastructure or natural resources, with little impact on the development of domestic manufacturing industries.

On the other hand, environmental issues are severe and worsening: deforestation, water pollution, and unsustainable land use pose serious threats to any notion of real “sustainability.” The informal economy, estimated to reach 30–40% of GDP, makes it even harder to build a healthy economic foundation.

But how does all this affect the life of the ordinary citizen?

In theory, a sustainable economy should bring stable employment, high real wages, quality public services, and a clean environment. In practice, many Albanians still face insecure jobs, often without formal contracts and with wages that barely cover the cost of living. While some average income indicators have improved, social inequality remains high, widening the gap between a wealthy minority and the majority who face daily economic insecurity.

In this reality, the idea of a “sustainable economy” takes on a double meaning: in the language of reports and official speeches, it represents the stability of certain macroeconomic figures; in the real lives of citizens, it remains an unfulfilled promise, unable to ease economic uncertainty, improve public services, or create a sense of a better future.

In fact, many citizens feel the absence of this sustainability by choosing to emigrate in search of the economic stability they cannot find in their own country. The high levels of emigration, especially among youth and professionals, are the clearest reflection of the gap between the “sustainable economy” narrative and reality.

In conclusion, Albania has made progress toward macroeconomic stability, but the truth is that a truly sustainable economy is not measured only by GDP growth or fiscal deficit reduction. It is measured by the sense of security that a family in a village or city feels about its future, by the quality of education and public healthcare, by the opportunity to build a dignified life without being forced to leave one’s home. Until then, the “sustainable economy” in Albania remains more of a goal for the future than a reality of the present.