In a significant development for the personal data protection landscape in Albania, the Council of Ministers has adopted Decision No. 347, dated 19 June 2025, establishing a new state database titled “Electronic Registry of Data Protection Officers” (DPO Registry). This marks a major milestone in the country’s efforts to align its data governance infrastructure with international and European standards, in line with the newly reformed legal framework on personal data protection.

On date 02.07.2025, with Decision No. 30, the Council of Ministers approved changes and additions to Decision no. 42, dated 16.01.2008 “On the regulation that determines the criteria and procedures for granting professional licenses for construction.”

As Brussels adopts one of the most ambitious environmental regulations in recent years, Albania once again finds itself at a familiar crossroads. The country faces pressure to align but still lacks the institutional capacity and market readiness to act meaningfully.

Former Deloitte Legal Senior Managing Associate Ened Topi has joined Lalaj & Partners as a Partner.

Albania’s start to 2025 has been largely shaped by national elections, which have stalled most developments, according to Hoxha, Memi & Hoxha Partner Dorant Ekmekciu. The focus has been on key judicial appointments and ongoing discussions about the independence of the anti-corruption body.

As part of the broader effort to harmonise national legislation with the EU General Data Protection Regulation, the Albanian Data Protection Commissioner issued Instruction No. 2, dated 30 April 2025 (Instruction No. 2), on the protection of personal data in the health sector. This Instruction repeals the previous 2020 framework and establishes a comprehensive set of rules governing the collection, use, and disclosure of health and genetic data.

The Bank of Albania has introduced a new regulatory framework on marketing and advertising by financial institutions, significantly enhancing consumer protection and transparency in the financial sector. The changes, enacted through Decision No. 11, dated 5 February 2025, amend the Regulation “On Transparency for Banking and Financial Products and Services” and enter into force on 1 May 2025.

Big law firms can coast on boring slogans. They’ve got the clout, the infrastructure, and the impressive list of past clients to do the talking. But if you’re a smaller firm and your website sounds like everyone else’s, you are disappearing into the beige background of legal marketing noise.

The European Accessibility Act (EAA), approved in 2019, takes effect on June 28, 2025. The Act requires a wide range of products and services – such as consumer electronics, vending machines, websites, and mobile apps – to meet accessibility standards for people with disabilities.

On the evening of April 1, 2025, the Deal of the Year Awards Banquet brought together, under the same roof, over 200 top-tier lawyers from Central and Eastern Europe's leading law firms and General Counsel from across the region in Prague.

The Minister of State for Entrepreneurship and Business Climate has introduced a draft law for the establishment of the Development Bank of Albania (“DBA”), a specialised public financial institution designed to facilitate financing for small and medium enterprises, start-ups, and underfinanced sectors. The bank is also envisioned as a key player in promoting exports of domestic products and services, as well as supporting public projects and various infrastructure developments.

Albania is aligning with EU regulations through new laws, including a data protection law in 2025 and a new updated electronic communications law, according to Ismailaj & Partners Managing Partner Erinda Ismailaj. With elections on May 11, legislative activity has slowed, creating uncertainties that can lead to a lack of predictability in a business environment.

CEE Legal Matters is proud to introduce the latest in our Comparative Guides series. This one focuses on Real Estate in CEE.

A draft law proposing changes to Law No. 8116, dated March 29, 1996, “The Civil Procedure Code of the Republic of Albania,” has been submitted for approval to the Albanian Assembly. These amendments are part of a comprehensive initiative to enhance the efficiency of the judicial system and improve the overall quality of judicial proceedings in the country.

Albania’s gambling industry has undergone significant transformations over the past decade, shifting from a thriving sector to one under stringent regulation. Lalaj & Partners Partner Sabina Lalaj explores the evolution of gambling in Albania, the impact of regulatory changes, its current status in the economy, and the future outlook of the industry.

On November 14, 2024, banking and finance experts from Albania, Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, and Poland sat down for a virtual round table moderated by CEE Legal Matters Managing Editor Radu Cotarcea to discuss digitalization and the impact of tech on the banking sector in CEE.

The long-anticipated initiative to establish a new legal framework for personal data protection in Albania is finally moving forward, as the Council of Ministers has approved a draft law that aligns closely with the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This proposed legislation promises to bring significance in this important but frequently underappreciated legal domain. With its comprehensive approach and alignment with EU standards, the new law aims to greatly improve privacy protection in the national context.

New Joint Instruction No. 196/2024, “On cooperation between the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Economy, Culture, and Innovation, and the State Intelligence Service regarding the issuance of residence permits for foreigners” (the “Instruction”), came into effect on 22 October 2024. This Instruction, aimed at clarifying and improving coordination among public institutions, does not amend existing residence or unique permit (i.e., a residence permit issued for employment purposes that combines both the residence and work permit) procedures for foreign nationals. Instead, it reaffirms the established process, ensuring that it remains consistent while improving transparency and efficiency.