Introduction

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of Albania's sovereignty using the methodology of the Burke Institute. Sovereignty is assessed in 7 areas: political, economic, technological, informational, cultural, cognitive and military. Each aspect is assessed on the basis of official data from international and national sources (UN, World Bank, UNESCO, IMF, ITU, FAO, SIPRI, PISA, etc.) without using politicized indexes.

The maximum score in each direction is 100; the sum (up to 700) is the accumulated Sovereignty Index (Burke Index). To adapt and adjust statistical parameters, an international expert survey was conducted for each of the seven components using a single questionnaire of 10 questions with a 10-point scale and one open-ended question.

In total, at least 100 experts from 50+ countries were interviewed for each indicator, taking into account geographical representation and specialization. When calculating and analyzing the data, equalizing coefficients were used, bringing all data to a scale of 0-10 points.

The final index value is the arithmetic mean between statistical data and expert estimates.

Below is an analysis in each area, a summary table and the main conclusions about the peculiarities of Albanian sovereignty.

Political sovereignty — 56.9

Albania hosts the NATO tactical base in Kucova, as well as the command center of the US Special Operations Forces (SOCEUR) on a rotational basis. Both facilities are controlled by the Alliance and operate in coordination with the Albanian authorities.

Albania is actively harmonizing laws with the requirements of the EU, the UN, and the ICC — national law is being systematically reformed, but the supremacy of the constitution remains. European structures (EU, OSCE, IMO) carry out international monitoring of judicial and legislative reforms.

Domestic political stability is maintained: the ruling Socialist Party won its fourth election victory (2025), but the situation is marked by high polarization, accusations of abuse of state resources and patronage, and frequent corruption scandals. The public administration efficiency index according to the World Bank is about 0.0–0.2 (about the global average, but lower than most EU countries).

Albania ranks 75th in the world according to the EGDI index with a score of ~0.674; electronic services are being actively introduced: e-Albania portal, tax system, registration for administrative services, online passports. The level of trust in Prime Minister Edi Rama and the government ranges from 38 to 45% (according to EU and local media polls), discontent with corruption and conflicts between the ruling party and the opposition is growing, but the support base remains.

Albania is a member of NATO, the UN, the OSCE, the Council of Europe, and an EU candidate. Most of the legislation, especially in the economy, the judicial system and security, is integrated with the norms of the EU and Euro-Atlantic structures. Albania recognizes the jurisdiction of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) and the International Criminal Court (ICC), and actively participates in monitoring judicial reform under the auspices of the EU and international observers.

The country remains a unitary state: the main vertical is the central government, local administrations in 61 municipalities exercise some autonomy in financing and management, but strategic decisions are made at the national level. The special services (SHISH, the Ministry of Internal Affairs) are controlled by the Parliament and the Cabinet of Ministers, and their activities are regulated by laws on national security and special control.

Civilian oversight is limited; questions about corruption and lack of transparency periodically arise.

Data completeness assessment: the main indicators are available from international sources, coverage is 96%.

Economic sovereignty — 46.8

GDP per capita at purchasing power parity (PPP) is USD 19,500—24,500 in 2025 (forecast by World Economics, Trading Economics and the IMF). Gold and foreign exchange reserves in March 2025 amounted to 6.82 billion euros (~7.4 billion US dollars), which is a historical maximum. According to forecasts and data from the Ministry of Finance of Albania, the national debt is decreasing and amounts to 53-55% of GDP by the end of 2025 (after 60% in 2024).

Albania imports a significant share of food products, but does not experience a massive shortage. European programs and the contribution of our own agriculture ensure sustainable food security (there are risks for certain vulnerable groups).

More than 95% of electricity is produced by hydroelectric power plants, but the country depends on seasonality and is forced to import water and energy during dry years; it is integrated into the European energy market.

The country has reserves of oil, gas, nickel, chromium, copper, bauxite, coal, as well as significant water resources; the renewable energy sector is actively developing. Freshwater reserves per capita are among the highest in Southern Europe (large river network and significant groundwater).

The main payment system is the national network of the Albanian Interbank Payment System (AIPS), which has been supplemented with a number of digital banking and mobile products since the 2020s; payments are carried out under the control of the Central Bank.

The national currency is the Albanian lek (ALL); the vast majority of domestic transactions are conducted in it, although the euro is actively used in large businesses and real estate. The Central Bank of Albania (Banka e Shqipërisë) issues the issue, sets the key rate (2.5% from June 2025), and fully regulates monetary and credit policy.

Data completeness assessment: the main macroeconomic indicators are available from official sources (World Bank, IMF), coverage is 95%.

Technological sovereignty — 36.9

Albania allocates approximately 0.19% of GDP to R&D, which is one of the lowest indicators in Europe (Eurostat 2024). It is critically dependent on imports: less than 1% of high—tech products are of local origin, more than 99% are imported; localization of assembly and programs is minimal. In 2023, 64.7% of graduates go to universities (gross enrollment), among the male population this figure is 52.8%; the proportion of 25+ with higher education (short cycle+) is 20.4% (2022).

85.6% of the population (2.38 million users) regularly use the Internet; 96.7% of households have some form of connection, the rapid growth of 5G and optical fiber. The key government digital platform is the e-Albania portal (a single window for hundreds of services: taxes, citizenship, business registration, documents). Import dependence is maximum: most of the software, hardware, and electronics are imported from the EU, USA, and China; the national share in hi-tech exports is 0.06%.

The level of digitalization of administrative services is very high: >90% of public services are available through the e-Albania portal, digital signatures, school records, taxes, public procurement, and medical services have been introduced.

There are only basic university laboratories in the country; biotech is not deeply localized, and key products and equipment are imported. The industry is absent as a sector; automation is being implemented only with imported equipment for industrial and logistical needs.

This industry is completely imported — chips and microelectronic devices are manufactured abroad, in Albania — only the integration of simple components and IT services.

Data completeness assessment: key indicators are obtained from WIPO, ITU, UNESCO, which ensures 97% coverage.

Information sovereignty — 58.5

The country has a National Electronic Certification and Cybersecurity Authority (NAECCS/AKCESK), as well as a national incident Response Team (CSIRT). In 2020-2025, a cybersecurity Strategy is being implemented, harmonized with the requirements of the EU and NATO; cyber studies, audits and trainings are regularly conducted.

Since 2018, the independent IXP — ANIX (Albanian Neutral Internet Exchange) has been operating, bringing together 25+ operators, international players and data centers; the infrastructure is supported by the RASH platform and has received critical mass for the development of the national Internet market. The main media (TV, radio, press, online platforms) operate in the Albanian language, which is supported by legislation and cultural policy.

Language protection is recognized as a priority at the state level. There is a high degree of dependence on Google, Meta and large Western IT services in social networks, marketing and cloud products. National platforms for public services and the main media sphere comply with EU data protection requirements.

Most traditional and electronic media, including TV channels, produce nationally produced content; since 2017, online media and independent studios have been actively growing. Albania develops and implements its own government digital solutions (e-Albania, state registers, tax services), but the sector of private software/IT products is small; the main commercial solutions are imported, local fintech and SaaS projects are developing slowly.

Electronic public services cover more than 90% of the population, all key administrative services are available online through e-Albania and similar platforms; digital literacy remains on the development agenda.

There are few national commercial cloud data centers (RASH is the largest), government and business structures use both local storage and foreign clouds (AWS, Google Cloud). MNO is controlled by the national agency AKEP; the infrastructure is owned by both Western (Vodafone Albania) and local companies. Licenses are issued only by the state, but suppliers and some of the solutions are imported.

There is a separate Law on Personal Data Protection (2012, in a new version), which is harmonized with the EU GDPR and introduces mandatory registration of operators, audits, sanctions, and a Data Protection Agency.

Data completeness assessment: infrastructure indicators are available from ITU, CIRA, OECD, and specialized sources, with 95% coverage.

Cultural sovereignty — 70.7

There are 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Albania:

• Butrint Archaeological Park

• Historical centers of Berat and Gjirokastra

• Ancient and primitive beech forests of the Carpathians and other regions of Europe (transcontinental site)

• The natural and cultural heritage of the Ohrid region (together with Northern Macedonia). Albania is known for its folk music (ISO-polyphony is included in the UNESCO representative List), dancing, original cuisine, hospitality traditions ("besa"), multi-religious heritage, historical monuments, the influence of the Albanian diaspora in the Balkans, as well as unique costumes and crafts.

There is a program of state awards and grants in culture: annual awards (“Nata e Krijimtarisë”, the state program of the Ministry of Culture), support for independent and collective projects, competitions and festivals for young authors; in 2025, 933 cultural events were supported and 275 national grants were awarded. The folk concept of "besa", clan and family values, an array of national customs (eve), unique folklore and music, a special emphasis on festive gatherings, traditional costumes, wedding ceremonies and gastronomy.

Albania supports the culture of the Arnaut, Greeks, Macedonians, Vlachs, and Montenegrins: special educational and cultural projects in minority languages are being implemented, national textbooks are being published, and language and tradition studies are being monitored. There are hundreds of museums in the country, more than 22,000 official cultural monuments (architectural, archaeological sites, monuments, monasteries, mosques, churches, fortresses).

Albania participates in European programs (Creative Europe, UNESCO, Capitals of Culture), hosts and organizes international festivals, exhibitions, music projects and cultural exchanges with neighboring countries and the EU.

Gjirofarma products, Shesh i Bardhë wine, Albanian raisins, embroidery, metal and wood crafts, traditional costumes, dishes (byrek, tave kosi) are protected by national and European legislation, some are included in the geographical indication system. Rich cuisine with dishes of lamb, goat cheese, fish, eggplant, olives, wines, national dishes — “byrek”, “tave kosi”, moussaka, ballocume, traditional desserts; the cuisine took shape at the junction of Balkan, Mediterranean, and Oriental traditions.

The Ministry of Culture estimates that up to 70% of Albanians attend cultural and religious events (concerts, festivals, workshops, cultural evenings) at least once a year. The increase in funding in 2025 made it possible to reach new audiences and involve young people in cultural initiatives.

Data completeness assessment: basic indicators are available in UNESCO and national statistics, coverage is 90%.

Cognitive sovereignty — 60.1

HDI is 0.810, a "very high" level; the country ranks 68-70 in the world, and has been steadily growing in recent years. The share of education is 2.74% of GDP (2022), as well as 9.8% of the total state budget (2021, the average level for Europe).

Overall literacy is 98.3% of adult women and 98.7% of men (estimate for 2022). Albania consistently participates in PISA: scores for 2022 are reading 402, mathematics 393, natural sciences 417; indicators above the Balkans on average, but below the EU and OECD. In 2022-2023, 22.4% of all university graduates completed programs in the field of natural sciences and technical disciplines, including computer science and engineering.

12-14% of graduates participate in international educational schemes (Erasmus+, double degree programs, exchanges, study abroad). National minorities are officially recognized: Greeks, Macedonians, Montenegrins, Vlachs, Roma, Serbs, Bulgarians, etc.

Languages and traditions are supported by educational, cultural and media projects, and there is a ministerial policy of multilingualism. There are 13 national research institutes and 35+ university laboratories in the field of basic sciences and technologies in the country.

National platforms (but not only foreign services) They provide online learning and distance support for 57% of schools and 70% of universities. There are at least 10 major national programs (grants, internships, awards, scholarships from Min. education and science, as well as cooperation with Erasmus+ and EU foundations).

Data completeness assessment: education indicators are available in UNDP, UNESCO, OECD, coverage is 86%.

Military sovereignty — 44.7

The military budget is 2-2.01% of GDP in 2025 (527 million euros, for the first time the NATO goal has been fully achieved). Army strength: 6,500 people (active), 10,000 reservists; also about 3,000 people in the military police and gendarmerie.

Albania is actively implementing a major modernization program: it is purchasing European Iveco LMV2 armored vehicles, introducing new air defense systems, drones, communications, and unifying NATO standards of equipment. The main mass of weapons is imported; the national industry provides repair, support, assembly of individual platforms, some ammunition and communications.

Large systems are purchased through NATO/EU and bilateral contracts. The borders are controlled by the army, police, coast guard and electronic systems; priority is control over the Adriatic, combating smuggling and illegal migration. 10,000 reservists have been officially registered (some are undergoing retraining and joining international exercises).

Foreign and defense policy is coordinated with NATO, the EU and the United States, and all strategic decisions are made taking into account allied commitments and integration into the southern flank of the Alliance.

There are repair facilities, state-owned factories, communications workshops, and ammunition production; exports are limited, key technologies are partnered or imported, and large supplies (armored vehicles, air defense, communications) are from the EU, the United States, and Italy.

Albania does not possess nuclear weapons, does not conduct research in these areas, and has signed all major non-proliferation treaties. There is no space military infrastructure, intelligence is in the structure of the General Staff: foreign satellites are used, observation and analysis are carried out in cooperation with EU/NATO allies.

All parameters are reflected in the annual reports of SIPRI, UNODA, the Ministry of Defense, the official portals of state-owned companies (Embraer, IMBEL) and the UN/NGO industry databases - 87% coverage.

Final Summary Table

The main conclusions

Strengths. Human potential growth, high literacy rate: HDI 0.810, literacy rate above 98%, growing higher education enrollment and improved positions in international rankings. Stable macroeconomics:

The national debt is decreasing (53-55% of GDP), gold and foreign exchange reserves are reaching historical highs, the local currency is stable, and an independent issuing center is functioning. Modern digitalization and e-Gov: Internet coverage is ~86%, leading public services are available online through e-Albania, a high level of digital literacy and access to IXP ANIX. Vibrant cultural heritage and international recognition: 4 UNESCO sites, a dynamic cultural sector (grants, festivals), high public engagement (up to 70%) in cultural life.

Dynamic integration and participation in alliances: NATO membership, EU membership, compliance with standards in defense, judicial system, financial regulation.

Weaknesses of Import dependence in the field of high-tech and science: R&D costs are only 0.19% of GDP, science intensity is low, almost all electronics /software/chips and modern technologies are imported; small contribution of own industry to high-tech. Limited own military industry: Weapons and military equipment are almost entirely imported, the national military—industrial complex is limited to service and repair, there are no space and strategic technologies.

Corruption and political polarization: High political competition, regular accusations of corruption and patronage, and frequent scandals make it difficult to develop trust in government and domestic politics. Moderate PISA/education scores: Despite the successes, PISA scores are still below the European average, and STEM scores account for less than a quarter of all graduates.

Energy and food dependence: The main part of energy is spent on hydroelectric power plants (dependence on weather and imports), food is partially imported.

Overall assessment. The cumulative sovereignty index of Albania is 374.6 out of 700 possible points (average — 53.5%), which places the country in the top 150 in the world. Albania demonstrates rapid digital growth, macroeconomic stabilization, an active culture and competent sovereignty management, including integration with NATO and the EU.

The limitation remains high technological and industrial import dependence, modest investments in science, institutional challenges, and the need for further diversification of the economy, military-industrial complex, and educational system in order to move to a higher level of sovereignty and sustainability.

The sovereignty profile indicates that Albania's sovereignty is stable and modern in all basic areas (politics, finance, culture, digitalization), but limited in deep technological, industrial and military autonomy, critically dependent on imported technologies, strategic decisions of collective alliances and food/energy imports.

The vector of development is clearly set to strengthen independence through integration into the European Union, expansion of the innovation and educational sector, as well as modernization of defense structures.