Albania, a developing country with over 20% of its population living in poverty, left a staggering €420 million unspent last year—despite desperate needs in education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
Official finance ministry data reveals that out of a planned budget of 771.3 billion lek (€7.5 billion) for 2024, only 728.5 billion lek (€7.1 billion) was actually spent. The biggest shortfall came from unrealized salary increases, leaving €110 million untouched.
Pensioners were also left waiting, as €110 million in promised bonuses was not allocated on time and will now be handed out in spring. Meanwhile, the government saved €56 million on interest payments and cut 16 billion lek (€150 million) from capital investments, including foreign-financed projects.
Despite widespread public struggles, the unspent funds helped Albania slash its budget deficit to the lowest level in 30 years—down to -18.2 billion lek from a planned -57.2 billion lek.
Critics question why funds weren’t used when public wages, pensions, and essential services remain among the lowest in the Balkans and EU. The government, however, insists fiscal discipline is key.
Yet, with 20% of the 2024 budget spent in December alone, it seems Albania’s leaders still have a last-minute spending problem.
