PRESS RELEASE
On the conclusion of the IMF mission visit

An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission, led by Mr Diego Cerdeiro, IMF Mission Chief for Albania, conducted a staff visit to Albania from 28 May to 2 June 2026. During the visit, the mission held discussions with representatives of the Bank of Albania across a range of policy and technical areas. The mission also met with the Governor of the Bank of Albania, Mr Gent Sejko, and senior officials of the Bank of Albania.

Discussions focused on recent macroeconomic developments and the economic outlook, as well as the monetary policy stance and financial stability issues.

At the outset of the meeting, Governor Sejko provided an overview of recent economic developments in Albania, highlighting inflation dynamics, developments in the financial and banking sectors, and expectations regarding key economic indicators.

Governor Sejko stated that, despite the challenges, the Albanian economy has maintained a positive growth trajectory, accompanied by increases in both employment and wages. The main indicators of Albania’s economic and financial soundness—including inflation, public debt, external debt, non-performing loans, and the banking sector’s balance sheets—have been improving.

IMF staff noted that the Albanian economy continues to demonstrate resilience, supported by sustained economic activity, positive developments in the labour market, and favourable financing conditions. The economic outlook remains generally favourable, although it continues to be subject to uncertainty arising from global developments and geopolitical tensions.

In this context, Governor Sejko underscored that the Bank of Albania’s monetary policy remains committed to providing monetary conditions that support the return of inflation to target, while guided by incoming data and addressing uncertainties surrounding economic performance.

The mission noted that developments in energy prices have impacted inflation and stressed the importance of closely monitoring inflation expectations on an ongoing basis. IMF staff praised the Bank of Albania’s analyses and projections and noted that the monetary policy stance has been appropriate and oriented toward maintaining price stability.

The mission was also briefed on the framework used by the Bank of Albania for the exchange rate and foreign exchange reserves. IMF staff affirmed that the appreciation of the lek is a phenomenon driven by structural improvements in the real economy and that the free-floating exchange rate regime is beneficial to the Albanian economy.

The parties also exchanged views on challenges facing the Albanian economy, including demographic developments, productivity, and prospects related to the European integration process.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the mission thanked the Bank of Albania for its cooperation and the constructive discussions held during the visit. The Bank of Albania reaffirmed its commitment to preserving price and financial stability and to further strengthening its collaboration with the International Monetary Fund.