The EBRD and EU are to support the development of key rail links in Albania. Credit: EBRD.

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the European Union (EU), along with its partners, have agreed to support and enhance rail connectivity in Albania.

The EBRD will provide a loan of up to €36.9m, while the EU will provide up to €35.5m through the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF).

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

A joint initiative of the European Commission with international financial institutions and other donors, the WBIF supports strategic investments in various sectors, including energy, the environment and transport in the region.

“These rail projects are expected to provide tangible benefits to local people, as well as encourage businesses across the region.”

The funding will be used to modernise around 34km of railway track between Tirana and Durres on the Adriatic coast, as well as build a new 7.4km rail link connecting the two cities to Rinas International Airport.

Durres is Albania’s largest port and it also serves as a major regional trade hub.

These rail projects are expected to provide tangible benefits to local people, as well as encourage businesses across the region.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

As well as reducing journey times on this key route, the project will offer new trade opportunities for local businesses.

Furthermore, it will encourage the people of the region to move from road services to the more sustainable railway transport alternative. In turn, this will assist the development of green and integrated economies in the Western Balkans.

This railway upgrade programme forms part of the larger plan to enhance overall connectivity in the region.

In December last year, the EBRD approved a €190.5m loan to carry out major railway improvements in the Western Balkan region. The EU will also support the projects by providing an additional €120m.