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Two-speed Albania, GDP grows, but poverty takes a century to disappear

2026-02-16 14:20:00, Ekonomi CNA

The latest projections by the Vienna Institute for International Studies (WIIW) on Albania's integration into the European Union have revealed a large time gap between economic growth and social well-being in our country.

The data suggest that, in the most optimistic scenario, Albania could take about three decades to reach the EU average in GDP per capita. However, the fight against poverty seems to belong to another century, taking more than 100 years. This shows that the increase in per capita income is not translating into a better life for the poorest segments of the population.

Convergence of per capita income with the EU is expected to occur more quickly, as GDP is a simple average that is inflated by the good performance of a few specific sectors. For example, economic growth may be stimulated by the construction or energy sectors, but if a pensioner or a family in the countryside continues to have the same income, the poverty level remains unchanged. In fact, GDP statistics seem to be growing rapidly also due to the negative effect of population contraction.

As long as wealth in our country remains concentrated at the top of a pyramid of people, it is impossible for it to influence the improvement of the lives of other strata, especially the poorest.

On the other hand, this report demonstrates a regional divide: the economy of the country's center and coastal areas is rapidly approaching the EU level, while rural areas and peripheral cities remain trapped in a cycle of persistent poverty.

The analysis shows that, while economic growth can be accelerated through trade integration, the distribution of welfare and the reduction of poverty are much slower structural processes. Even in the most optimistic scenario of full membership, Albania would need over 100 years to eliminate the poverty gap with EU countries.

Without radical reforms in the pension system, in the minimum wage and without policies to close extreme inequality, GDP growth will serve only as a statistical facade. Social convergence risks remaining an impossible mission, leaving behind entire generations waiting for a well-being that on paper seems close, but in reality remains unattainable./ Monitor