• EBRD loan of up to US$ 50 million for road rehabilitation and upgrades in Albania
• Improved infrastructure to support country’s economic integration
• Better roads will enhance road safety

An EBRD loan of up to US$ 50 million to the Republic of Albania for the rehabilitation and upgrade of roads will facilitate tourism development, support closer economic regional integration and enhance road safety in the Western Balkans country.

The loan will finance the following rehabilitation works of the country’s regional and local road network:
•a road section of approximately 10.6 kilometres in length, including two small realignments, between the city of Vlore and Orikum along the southern coast
•a road section of approximately 13 kilometres in length, between the town of Shengjin and the village of Baks-Rrjoll near Velipoje along the northern coast
•a road section of approximately 47.1 kilometres in length between the village of Zgosht and Ura e Cerenecit in eastern Albania.

The investment will be accompanied by measures, supported by the government of Japan, to offer effective on-the-job training opportunities to young people during construction. Improvements in road safety will follow the recommendations in a road safety audit report, financed by the EBRD’s own resources.

The road design will also introduce climate adaptation measures to enhance the resilience of roads that are frequently subject to flooding and landslides by guaranteeing efficient travel flows.

To date, the EBRD has invested nearly €1.4 billion in 96 projects in Albania. The Bank’s strategy in the country focuses on private-sector development, enhancing infrastructure and promoting sustainable energy and environmentally sound investments.