Today, the government presented a new package of legal interventions aimed at protecting property and territory. The package aims to stop illegal construction, guarantee equal access to public spaces, and protect natural and cultural heritage.
Ulsi Manja, the Minister of Justice, announced new legal measures during an extended meeting with representatives of institutions and interest groups. The meeting was attended by Prime Minister Edi Rama and the heads of the National Territorial Development Agency and the National Territorial Planning Agency.
The new package introduces amendments to Law No. 107/2014, “On the Planning and Development of the Territory.” Notable innovations include the inventory of all public spaces and their registration in cadastral records, as well as the prohibition of their unlawful occupation by individuals or entities. Strict measures are planned for illegal constructions. If the construction exceeds the permitted area by more than 2%, and demolition is not possible, then the built area or an equivalent surface will be confiscated for profit purposes. If the excess exceeds 10%, then the entire structure will be confiscated for public interest or social housing purposes, or it will be demolished.
Another element is the creation of a national registry of developers and individuals who violate the law. These individuals will be excluded from obtaining permits for five years. On-site inspections will be strengthened through the collaboration of territorial development authorities, inspectorates, and the police, who will use modern technology such as drones, cameras, and GIS systems.
The package also includes punitive measures for public administrators. State employees involved in illegal construction will be dismissed and prohibited from holding public office for seven years. These sanctions apply to a wide range of officials with competencies over territorial planning and control.
Private developers will face additional obligations, such as planting trees in proportion to the size of the construction area and allocating space for children in residential buildings. Similarly, changing the purpose of buildings without the authorities’ approval is prohibited, and the Council of Ministers must approve the procedures.
Regarding public investments, the package introduces procedural facilitations that allow work to begin immediately after National Territorial Council (NTCU) decisions, reducing bureaucracy in property documentation. The territory will be monitored using modern tools, and institutions such as AZIIT and the National Territorial Planning Agency will play a larger role in organizing competitions, exhibitions, and projects that promote public architecture and sustainable development.