Page 21 - bne IntelliNews Southeastern Europe Outlook 2025

will also lead discussions on Gaza's reconstruction and the future of UN peacekeeping operations, fostering broader participation through an open debate format.
Marta Kos from Slovenia has been appointed as the European Commissioner for EU Enlargement. She expressed confidence in her ability to excel in the role, emphasising its importance for both Slovenia and the European Union.
The decision to assign this portfolio to Slovenia signals the EU’s commitment to prioritising the European integration of the Western Balkans, ensuring the focus extends beyond Ukraine’s accession to the Union. However, Kos is expected to face significant challenges in this position.
2.0 Macroeconomic outlook 2.1 Macroeconomy – Albania
Key economic figures and forecasts
2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024F
Nominal GDP (EUR bn) 13.8 14.3 13.9 17.2 17.3 22.2 25.3
Real GDP (% y/y) 4.0 2.1 -3.5 8.9 4.8 3.9 3.8
Unemployment rate (avg, %) 12.3 11.5 11.7 11.4 11.8 11.6 10.7
Consumer prices (avg, % y/y) 2.0 1.4 1.6 2.0 6.7 5.3 3.0
Consumer prices (eop, % y/y) 1.8 1.1 1.1 3.7 7.4 4.5 2.0
General budget balance (% of GDP) -1.4 -2.0 -6.7 -6.7 -3.7 -1.4 -2.5
Public debt (% of GDP) 67.7 66.2 77.9 84.1 64.6 52.4 53.7
Current account balance (% of GDP) -6.7 -7.9 -8.8 -7.5 -5.9 -0.9 -3.7
Official FX reserves (EUR bn) 3.2 3.1 3.6 4.6 4.4 5.6 5.7
EUR/LC (avg) 128 123 123 122 119 108 101 Source: Instat, Bank of Albania, World Bank, IMF, European Commission
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