The Bank of Albania, in cooperation with the European Investment Bank (EIB), held a workshop titled “National Green Taxonomy: Principles, Governance, and Interoperability with EU Standards” as part of a joint technical assistance programme to develop green financial systems.
The Green Taxonomy serves as a classification framework defining which investments qualify as environmentally sustainable.
Natasha Ahmetaj, the Bank of Albania’s Second Deputy Governor, said developing the national Green Taxonomy is part of the institution’s broader integration efforts under Chapter 9 of the EU accession process, which focuses on financial services.
“This initiative marks a key step toward fully harmonising Albania’s financial system with European standards,” Ahmetaj said. “Drafting the Green Taxonomy provides a practical tool for directing capital toward investments that have a positive environmental and climate impact. It is not merely a technical obligation but a real opportunity to transform the economy sustainably while protecting the financial sector.”
EIB representative Alessandro De Concini praised the partnership with the Bank of Albania and highlighted progress in strengthening the country’s green finance agenda.
“The Bank of Albania has taken major steps through its Green Strategy, publishing climate-risk management guidelines for banks, conducting stress tests on transition risks, and establishing an ESG Committee — in line with international best practices,” he said.
The workshop focused on the taxonomy’s governance framework, criteria for identifying and developing economic sectors, and methods for integrating climate adaptation measures.
The event marks another milestone in advancing Albania’s green transition and reaffirms the Bank of Albania’s leadership in promoting sustainable finance and aligning the country’s financial system with EU green standards.