Albanian parliament approves climate change bill

The Albanian parliament has approved a climate change bill, which, among other things, provides a legal basis for adopting a National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP) for 2021-2030 and the foundation for transposing and implementing the EU’s Emission Trading Scheme (ETS) Directive.

The law, which passed the Albanian parliament in December, envisages integrating climate change mitigation and adaptation issues into legislation, strategies, and programs, while also creating a comprehensive legal and inter-institutional framework for climate action at the national level, according to the Energy Community.

Provisions on monitoring and reporting are key to obtaining accurate data on GHG emissions

The legislation includes provisions on monitoring, reporting and verifying greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which is crucial for gaining accurate information on emissions, according to the Energy Community. It also envisages submitting the country’s nationally determined contribution on reducing GHG emissions to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

The law aims to help Albania cut GHG emissions and contribute to global climate efforts

After more than a year of delays, the bill passed by 93 to 11. According to the text of the bill, the purpose of the newly adopted legislation is to help reduce Albania’s greenhouse gas emissions and speed up the country’s climate change adaptation, with a view to mitigating its harmful effects. It should also help Albania contribute to global climate change efforts by meeting its obligations to the UNFCCC.

The law also regulates GHG emissions from stationary and mobile sources, by products and substances, as well as conditions for carbon capture, according to the text of the bill.

The legislation envisages a 5-year transition period

The law is expected to come into force six months after its publication in the Official Gazette, while supporting regulations must be adopted within four years of the law’s entry into force. Operators are given a transition period of five years to address environmental permit issues involving greenhouse gases and prepare a monitoring, reporting and verification system, according to the text of the bill.