Minister Karakaçi Says the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy Has Taken Legal Steps to Ensure the Operation of Vlora Airport

During a press conference, Enea Karakaçi, the Minister of Infrastructure and Energy, stated that the ministry has taken legal steps to ensure the implementation of the Vlora Airport contract amid a conflict that has arisen between the two parties involved in the project. He emphasized that the state will not tolerate delays that hinder the completion of infrastructure projects of national importance.
The ministry has monitored every stage of the airport’s construction, ensuring compliance with contractual obligations, concession terms, and Albanian and international legal frameworks. According to Karakaçi, the situation that has emerged between the project developers, including site shutdowns, legal disputes between shareholders, and criminal proceedings, has caused critical delays and reputational damage to the project.
The minister clarified that the conflict hindering the airport’s progress is a civil and contractual dispute between two private entities and that the ministry is not a party to this dispute nor does it favor any shareholder. He added that the government has intervened solely to protect the public interest and ensure the contract is enforced.
The minister emphasized that despite the private nature of the conflict, no entity can impede the realization of a strategic infrastructure project for the country. According to the minister, the resolution of the dispute lies with the parties involved and the courts. Meanwhile, the Ministry will use all legal and contractual instruments to ensure Vlora Airport opens and is operational by the established deadlines.
Minister Karakaçi emphasized that the Ministry is prepared to activate any necessary contractual clauses to ensure the project’s continuation and the airport’s operation in accordance with the stipulated obligations.