National Culture Strategy 2026-2030 Approved to Support Sustainable Development of the Cultural Sector

Blendi Gonxhja, Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Sports, announced at a press conference that the Council of Ministers has approved the National Culture Strategy 2026-2030, which aims to establish a comprehensive policy framework for the long-term development of the cultural sector in accordance with national development priorities, the European integration process, and Albania’s international commitments in the arts and culture.
The strategy aims to strengthen culture’s role as a driver of social, economic, and territorial development, thereby improving social well-being, promoting balanced regional development, and consolidating democratic values.
According to the minister, Albania’s long-term goal is to establish itself as a significant cultural hub in the Western Balkans and an active participant in the European cultural space by 2030, primarily through the development of a sustainable, inclusive, and innovative cultural ecosystem.
The approach entails a series of legislative and regulatory reforms, including a review of the legal framework for arts and culture, updating of legislation on cultural heritage protection, and the development of artist status as an intersectoral framework.
Minister Gonxhja noted that the policy also seeks to encourage cultural tourism by creating real experiences and encouraging creativity, arts, crafts, performing arts, and cultural heritage.
The strategy’s implementation will be supported by existing cultural funds totaling around ALL 4 billion each year, which will be supplemented by other finance sources to maintain the continuity and strengthening of investments in the sector.
Minister Gonxhja emphasized the success of cultural assistance policies, stating that funding calls in the arts and culture sector supported the development of around 1,700 activities in the first half of the year, a 26% increase over the same period last year. According to him, this represents greater public funding for creative and cultural institutions.