High-Level Albanian Water Sector Delegation Visits Sofia Water and Veolia at the 2026 Danube Water Forum

On the occasion of the 2026 Danube Water Forum in Sofia, Bulgaria, SHUKALB organized and facilitated a two-day professional exchange program for high-level representatives from the Albanian water sector, in cooperation with Veolia, a SHUKALB member and operator of Sofia Water Company (Sofiyska Voda AD).

The Albanian delegation included Ardian Islami, Director of the Directorate for Development Programs in Water Supply and Sewerage at the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy; Gerta Lubonja, Chair of the Water Regulatory Authority (ERRU); and Evisa Hoxhaj, Director of Strategic Management at the National Agency for Water Resources Management (AMBU). SHUKALB was represented at the program by Alban Kushi, Manager of Member Services.

The program began on 19 May 2026 with a technical visit to the Bistrica Drinking Water Treatment Plant, one of the key facilities operated by Sofia Water Company. During the visit, participants were introduced to the plant’s treatment technology, operational processes, and infrastructure management practices. Particular attention was given to the utility’s advanced digital systems used for operational monitoring, customer service, complaint handling, defect management, and network control.

The delegation gained deeper insight into Sofia Water’s long-term operational model and Veolia’s experience in managing water and wastewater services across Central and Eastern Europe. Discussions focused on how digital transformation, structured asset management, performance monitoring, and long-term investment planning contribute to improving overall utility efficiency and service reliability.

On 21 May 2026, the Albanian delegation visited the Sofiyska Voda headquarters in Sofia, where representatives of the company presented Veolia’s regional experience and operational models implemented across several European countries. The presentation highlighted examples from Bulgaria, Romania, Armenia, and the Czech Republic, focusing on utility performance, non-revenue water reduction, infrastructure modernization, governance frameworks, and integrated water management approaches.

The discussions also addressed lessons learned from Sofia Water’s concession model. Participants explored practical approaches for improving operational efficiency, accountability, regulatory oversight, and long-term infrastructure planning in the context of ongoing reforms in Albania’s water sector.

During the visit, participants attended a presentation by Ms. Lindita Troka, Water and Sanitation Specialist at the World Bank, titled “Private Sector Participation in Albania’s Water Sector.”

The exchange program provided a valuable opportunity for Albanian institutions to gain first-hand insight into international utility management practices and innovative operational approaches. It further strengthened cooperation and dialogue between Albanian water sector institutions, SHUKALB, and regional and international partners working toward resilient and sustainable water services.

SHUKALB extends its sincere appreciation to François Debergh, Country Director, Veolia Bulgaria, Greece and Albania; Stanislav Stanev, Business Development Director for Veolia in Bulgaria and Greece; and Leonat Muskollari, Business Development Manager of Veolia in Albania, as well as the teams of Sofiyska Voda AD, for their support and warm reception throughout the visit.