SHUKALB Participates at the Interinstitutional Meeting on the Recast Urban Wastewater Directive National Implementation plan

On 29 January 2026, the National Agency for Water Supply and Sewerage (AKUK), represented by Mr. Arben Musaj, in close cooperation with the Water Resources Management Agency of Albania (AMBU), represented by Ms. Evisa Hoxhaj, organized a meeting of the Interinstitutional Working Group to present the draft final report of the Directive-Specific Implementation Plan (DSIP) for the Recast EU Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive (EU) 2024/3019.

The DSIP was prepared and presented by consultants Prof. Enkelejda Gjinali and Eng. Simone Milanolo, with support from the Water4River and SANE27 projects, funded by the European Union, the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida).

The meeting brought together representatives from several key institutions in Albania’s water sector, including AMBU, AKUK, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy, the Water Regulatory Authority (ERRU), SHUKALB, NEA, Ministry of Health and Social Protection, Ministry of Defence – Civil Emergencies and other relevant stakeholders. SHUKALB was represented at the meeting by Arbana Kola, Manager of Projects.

During the meeting, participants were presented with the main findings of the gap analysis, the proposed implementation measures, the estimated investment costs, and the indicative implementation timeframe. The discussion also provided an opportunity for stakeholders to share feedback and contribute to the finalization of the DSIP.

Discussions highlighted the importance of the DSIP in strengthening interinstitutional cooperation and supporting Albania’s progress toward alignment with European Union environmental standards.

The preparation of the Recast DSIP UWWTD 2024/3019 also provides an important overview of the current status of wastewater management in Albania and the scale of investments required in the coming decades. According to the initial findings, 221 agglomerations have been identified across the country and 18 sensitive zones designated.

As of 2025, around 69% of domestic wastewater is currently collected, while wastewater treatment capacity remains limited, with only 11 treatment plants currently operational. In line with long-term planning and EU requirements, 142 wastewater treatment plants are foreseen to be constructed by 2055, significantly expanding treatment coverage nationwide.

The plan also addresses emerging requirements related to stormwater management, energy consumption, and sludge treatment. With the expansion of wastewater treatment services, sludge production is expected to increase substantially, requiring new treatment solutions and infrastructure.

Overall, implementing the directive will require major investments. The total cost for capital investments and institutional measures needed to be invested between now and 2055 is estimated at approximately €4.64 billion, highlighting the scale of efforts needed for Albania to fully align with EU environmental standards on that particular Directive.