Free Textbooks Extended to Grades 4 and 5; Government Approves New Scientific Research Funding Scheme

The government approved two education-related decisions: the expansion of the free textbook program to pre-university education and the establishment of a funding mechanism for scientific research.
Minister of Education Mirela Kumbaro announced that the free textbook program is expanding for the first time to include fourth and fifth grade students. Approximately 43 million ALL have been allocated from the state budget for this purpose, and around 9,000 students are expected to benefit, which will ease the financial burden on families directly.
This decision extends the program from grades 1–3 to grades 1–5, providing books annually for students. Meanwhile, for grades 6–9, a two- or three-year usage cycle for textbooks is planned, taking into account students’ age and ability to maintain the materials.
During the same meeting, the government approved the method for calculating funding for scientific research. According to the minister, this mechanism aims to ensure the sustainability of institutions engaged in scientific research by providing performance-based funding and financing for international projects.
This decision is linked to obligations stemming from the 2024 Law on Science and the European Union integration process. Chapters 25 (Scientific Research) and 26 (Education) are among the most advanced and are expected to be among the first closed in the negotiation process.
The minister emphasized the commitment to increasing funding for scientific research to 1% of gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030, which will be reflected in the budgets of all line ministries.