World Bank praises government for energy reforms

The World Bank has considered the reform in the energy sector in Albania as positive. This declaration was made by Ellen Goldstein, the head of the World Bank’s Southeast European office, in a meeting in Tirana with the Albanian energy minister Damian Gjiknuri, Independent Balkan News Agency reported.

According to the ministry’s press release, Goldstein said the quick settlement of the conflict with ČEZ was “the right decision to give way to investments and reforms in the sector.” Goldstein said the progress of the reform is very good one. She added that its effects will be tangible with the improvement of the service offered to customers.

For minister Gjiknuri, reform in energy is giving its positive effects, but he has also praised the support given by the citizens, who have embraced legality in the consumption of electricity. According to his words, the energy sector has started to contribute to the economy of the country. Gjiknuri said the government is working for the new market model, liberalization of the energy sector and the project to set up a power exchange in Albania.

In October, prime minister Edi Rama pledged to request international expertise on the events that led to the termination of the contract with ČEZ. He stated the government asked the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation for help.