As part of the Jean Monnet Module project “Pro-Facts” – Promoting knowledge on EU policy in fiscal administration, climate, and energy topics, an interinstitutional and cross-sectoral roundtable was organized, focusing on the impact of climate and sustainability policies on financial systems in Albania, in the context of European Union integration.
The event aimed to foster in-depth discussions among key actors from the financial sector, public institutions, and international organizations, addressing the challenges and opportunities that climate change presents for financial stability and sustainable development in the country.
The roundtable addressed several key topics, including: climate policies and their impact on financial markets; the EU regulatory framework for sustainable finance; green financing; climate risk management and interinstitutional cooperation.
At the conclusion of the event, concrete recommendations were presented for sustainable finance policies and practices, which are expected to serve policymakers and relevant institutions.
Participants in the focus group represented a wide range of institutions and areas of expertise. Among them:
- Etleva Bajrami, Vice Dean for Academic Affairs, Student Activities, and Communication at the Faculty of Economics, University of Tirana, offered an academic perspective and emphasized the importance of student involvement in sustainability policies.
- Esida Bujupi, Country Economist for Albania at the World Bank, shared insights on the economic impact of climate change and the need for sustainable financing.
- Egis Zaimaj, Advisor to the Prime Minister’s Cabinet, offered an institutional approach to national policies and European integration.
- Margerita Topalli, Senior Economist in the Research Department of the Bank of Albania, provided analysis on the impact of climate policies on financial stability.
- Alma Lulja, Deputy Regional Coordinator of a project at EBRD, highlighted the role of international institutions in promoting green finance.
- Mirela Kamberi, UNDP Climate Change Expert, emphasized the need for long-term policies to address climate risks.
- Anisa Kume, Climate Fiscal Risk Expert and lecturer at the Faculty of Economics, provided an academic perspective on the fiscal impacts of climate change and the assessment of fiscal risks arising from climate change and natural disasters.
- Xhoana Hudhra, Sector Manager at the Ministry of Economy, Culture, and Innovation, presented policies that promote entrepreneurship and sustainability.
- Admira Mlika, Director of Corporate and SME Banking at the National Commercial Bank (BKT), emphasized the challenges and opportunities that the private sector faces in addressing the climate crisis.
- Dorian Pashaj, Head of the Sustainable Development Department at ProCredit Bank Albania, shared the institution’s experience in implementing sustainability criteria in lending practices.
- Rozeta Bejko and Daniela Ndrejaj, representatives of the Albanian Financial Supervisory Authority (AMF), offered regulatory and supervisory perspectives on sustainable finance.
From the Faculty of Economics, University of Tirana, several researchers and lecturers also participated: Elona Pojani, Perseta Grabova, Matilda Tola, Klejda Gabeshi, and Mariel Frroku, who shared their expertise in economics, finance, and climate policy. The roundtable also included the participation of students from the Faculty of Economics, with the aim of encouraging the engagement of the younger generation in debates on climate challenges and sustainable development.
This activity represents an important step toward strengthening interinstitutional cooperation and aligning sustainability policies with economic development in Albania.
