Albania and Italy Sign New Strategic Agreements at the First Intergovernmental Meeting in Rome

During the first Albania–Italy Intergovernmental Meeting (G2G) in Rome, Albania and Italy further strengthened their partnership in key areas by exchanging a series of agreements and memoranda of understanding. The ministers from both countries exchanged agreements covering a wide range of strategic fields, including security, defense, energy, health, justice, the economy, innovation, and culture. These agreements mark a new phase of cooperation within the broader context of European integration.
The Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy signed an agreement to improve the electricity transmission network in northern Albania. This project aims to reconstruct infrastructure damaged by the 2019 earthquake. This Italy-Albania investment will provide affected communities with a more stable and higher-quality electricity supply and strengthen the security of the energy system.
Minister of Interior Albana Koçiu and her Italian counterpart Matteo Piantedosi signed the “Mission Against Drugs” Memorandum of Understanding, which aims to reinforce joint operations against narcotics trafficking, facilitate rapid information exchange, conduct joint investigations, and provide police training. They also discussed a new memorandum to identify and seize criminal assets and praised the ongoing police training cooperation through Italy’s police academies.
During the meeting between Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs Elisa Spiropali and Minister Antonio Tajani, they confirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation in key areas of their strategic partnership, especially in supporting Corridor VIII, regional security, and EU integration projects. The two ministers also signed a Memorandum of Understanding on cybersecurity cooperation, which focuses on protecting critical digital infrastructure and sharing expertise between the two countries.
In the field of defense, the agreements signed by Minister of Defense Pirro Vengu and Italian Minister Guido Crosetto significantly strengthened cooperation, expanding the strategic partnership to include security, the defense industry, and civil protection. As part of the first Intergovernmental Meeting, the two countries signed a defense cooperation agreement covering joint training, maritime security, and operational readiness. The two countries also signed a technical agreement for the transfer of two Italian patrol boats to the Albanian Coast Guard. This will boost Albania’s capacity to monitor its maritime space and conduct search-and-rescue operations in the Adriatic and Ionian Seas.
Cooperation also expanded in the defense industry. Agreements between the state-owned company KAYO and the companies Leonardo and Fincantieri pave the way for the use of advanced ammunition technologies, the development of command and control systems, the maintenance of the naval fleet, and the production of new equipment for domestic and international needs.
A major pillar of the meeting was strengthening Albania’s civil protection resilience and capacities, which was achieved through the signing of two important financial instruments: a €30 million loan dedicated to equipment, training, and operational modernization, and a €5 million grant focused on rapid response and risk reduction. These initiatives were complemented by the signing of a memorandum and a tripartite declaration between AKMC, AICS Tirana, and the Italian Civil Protection Agency. This ensures synergy in ongoing and future projects in civil protection and emergency management.
Minister of Finance Petrit Malaj signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Dario Scannapieco, CEO of Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP). The agreement aims to expand financial cooperation and promote partnerships between Albanian and Italian private enterprises.
The Ministry of Economy and Innovation also signed a memorandum of understanding between the Albanian Investment Development Agency (AIDA) and SIMEST S.p.A. to support Albanian businesses in their efforts to internationalize, innovate, and digitize. Minister Delina Ibrahimaj emphasized the importance of SIMEST and CDP in creating financing opportunities, encouraging scientific research, and promoting technological innovation. She also mentioned that the Albania–Italy pension agreement is already benefiting hundreds of citizens who have worked in both countries.
Minister of Health and Social Protection Evis Sala and Italian Minister Orazio Schillaci signed a cooperation agreement in neonatology, including an Italian grant to improve maternal and child care. They agreed to strengthen their collaboration in establishing the National Oncology Network and the National Cancer Institute in Tirana, and to expand projects in nuclear medicine, pharmacy, digital health, and university education.
Regarding justice, Minister Besfort Lamallari and Italian Minister Carlo Nordio discussed Italy’s support for amending the Criminal Code and the Criminal Procedure Code, as well as for rehabilitation and reintegration projects for inmates in penitentiary institutions.
Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Sports Blendi Gonxhja met with Italian Minister of Tourism Daniela Santanché to reaffirm their commitment to a sustainable and innovative partnership in the tourism sector. They discussed ways to strengthen bilateral and regional cooperation, harmonize standards, improve the traveler experience, develop cultural itineraries, enhance professional skills, and expand tourism offerings throughout the year.
As part of the close cultural cooperation between the two countries, the National Gallery of Arts and the National Museum of 21st-Century Arts (MAXXI) in Rome signed a Memorandum of Understanding. This partnership will accompany the reopening of the National Gallery in Tirana in 2026. The three-year project (2025–2028) will support institutional and managerial modernization, professional training for museum staff, and the development of joint cultural and research programs. This will turn culture into a strong bridge of Albanian–Italian dialogue and friendship.
During the meeting between Minister Gonxhja and the Italian Minister of Culture, Alessandro Giuli, they held extensive discussions on strengthening bilateral cultural relations. Topics included the Italian Museum in Albania, partnerships with MAXXI and the National Gallery of Arts, Albanian-Italian co-productions, creating an Albanian Cultural Center in Italy, and including the “Great Migration of the Arbëresh” in UNESCO.