Albania’s Progress and Challenges in Aligning with the Revised Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive

An article by Prof. Enkelejda Gjinali, Principal Lecturer, Environmental Engineering Department, Polytechnic University of Tirana, Albania

Albania has made notable strides in advancing its wastewater management infrastructure and aligning with the European Union’s evolving environmental standards, particularly the revised Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive (UWWTD). As the country continues its path towards EU integration, wastewater treatment remains a critical area where both achievements and persistent challenges are evident.

The original Directive 91/271/EEC, which focuses on the collection, treatment, and discharge of urban wastewater, provided the initial regulatory framework. Under this, Albania has identified 165 agglomerations for targeted wastewater management interventions and designated 18 sensitive zones requiring enhanced environmental protection. Projections made for 2025 indicate that approximately 81% of Albania’s urban wastewater load is collected, with 14 wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) operational or under construction, serving a combined capacity of over 1.25 million population equivalent (PE). The long-term plan foresees the construction of 114 WWTPs by 2050, signaling Albania’s commitment to meet EU standards.

A cornerstone of these efforts is the National Sludge Management Strategy for 2020-2050, which provides a structured approach to handling sludge by-products generated from wastewater treatment. The strategy emphasizes the importance of nutrient removal and the valorization of sludge, turning waste into marketable products, thereby contributing to the circular economy.

Recent EU legislative developments, specifically the recast of the UWWTD (2024/3019), underscore the Union’s ambition to achieve a zero-pollution environment by 2050. This places additional requirements on Albania’s water supply and sewerage utilities, demanding not only infrastructure expansion but also improvements in operational efficiency and environmental performance.

A successful example of Albania’s innovative approach can be seen in the Korça WWTP. Operational monitoring from 2010 to 2024, conducted by internationally accredited laboratories from the UK, Germany, and Albania, demonstrate compliance with high sludge quality standards. Moreover, the “ORCHARD” pilot project in Korça showcases the potential for agricultural reuse of treated sludge, promoting resource recovery and supporting local farming practices. The project’s success, alongside energy production of approximately 1 MW from photovoltaics at the Korça WWTP, illustrates the tangible benefits of integrating modern wastewater treatment with renewable energy and circular economy principles.

Despite these advancements, challenges remain. The scale of infrastructure development required by 2050 is significant, and aligning national practices with the new, more stringent EU requirements will necessitate substantial investment, institutional capacity building, and public awareness initiatives.

Nevertheless, Albania’s experience reflects both determination and practical progress in wastewater management, offering valuable lessons as the country works towards fulfilling its environmental obligations and ensuring sustainable water resources for future generations.