Gent Sejko: Bank of Albania's achievements in 2025 

Dear journalists, experts, and media executives,

Dear ladies and gentlemen,

Thank you for your participation in this end-of-year meeting, which has by now become a well-established forum for dialogue between the Bank of Albania and media representatives. This meeting serves as both a platform to reflect on the economic and financial developments of the year drawing to a close and to acknowledge the crucial role of the media in informing the public, fostering confidence, and strengthening institutional transparency.

Against the backdrop of an increasingly complex environment, in which monetary and financial decision-making is shaped by a wide range of domestic and external factors, clear, accurate and professional communication is of paramount importance. In this context, our collaboration has been instrumental in ensuring that the public receives reliable, clear, and balanced information on economic developments in Albania.

The year 2025 has been of particular significance for the Bank of Albania, not only in light of the economic challenges addressed and achievements attained, but also owing to its historical importance. This year marked the centenary of the central bank's founding-a milestone that invites both a proud reflection on the past and a responsible consideration of the challenges ahead.

From the economic and financial perspective, the Albanian economy has continued to exhibit a positive performance. Economic activity expanded at a steady pace, the labour market remained robust, and inflation stayed at low levels. Against this backdrop, the Bank of Albania's monetary policy stance has been prudent and stability-oriented, seeking to strike an appropriate balance between maintaining price stability and supporting sustainable economic growth.

The Albanian banking system has continued to demonstrate resilience and a high degree of financial soundness. Banks remain well capitalised, liquidity is ample and the quality of credit portfolio has continued to improve. This stability-far from being coincidental-is the result of a robust regulatory framework, effective supervision and ongoing close cooperation between the Bank of Albania and the banking sector.

Throughout this journey, the media has played an indispensable role. Through analysis, informed debate, and professional interpretation, you have contributed significantly to explaining our policy decisions, clarifying economic concepts, and shaping public expectations. This role is particularly important at a time when information circulates rapidly, and the risks associated with misinformation are tangible.

The celebration of the Bank of Albania's centenary has served as an important platform for reflection and public communication. Through a range of institutional, academic, and cultural events, we have sought to highlight the close link between the central bank's history and that of the Albanian state, as well as its enduring role in promoting monetary stability and fostering public confidence in institutions. This anniversary serves as a reminder that independence, professionalism, and transparency are core values that must be safeguarded and strengthened on an ongoing basis.

Within this context, public communication remains one of our key strategic priorities. The Bank of Albania recognises that its decisions have a direct impact on citizens, businesses, and financial markets. Accordingly, we have invested-and will continue to invest-in enhancing the effectiveness of our communication, with a view to making information more accessible, clearer, and more comprehensive for the broader public.

The fight against disinformation represents a key challenge of our time. In an environment where opinions are increasingly intertwined with facts, the role of professional and responsible media is pivotal. In this regard, we consider the media as a key partner in pursuing a shared objective: ensuring accurate information and enhancing economic and financial literacy across society.

Looking ahead, the priorities of the Bank of Albania remain clear. Monetary and financial stability will continue to stand at the core of our mandate. In parallel, we will intensify our efforts to modernise payment systems, advance digitalisation and further align with European standards, with a view to supporting Albania's continued integration into the European Union.

Dear guests,

This meeting also provides an opportunity to thank you for your accurate and professional collaboration throughout the year. Your critiques, questions and analyses help us to communicate more clearly, act more responsibly and maintain greater transparency. Open dialogue with the media remains a crucial element in the effective functioning of a central bank.

Wishing you ongoing success in your work and a very prosperous end of the year, I am confident that our constructive collaboration will endure in the years ahead, supporting both public information and the economic stability of the country.

We will now turn to a specific point on the agenda of this meeting. It is with pleasure that we announce the winners of the "Governor's Award for the Best Diploma Thesis", a long-standing tradition of the Bank of Albania that underscores our commitment to promoting both scientific research and academic excellence. This year, 38 students submitted their undergraduate and master's theses, presenting well-structured and insightful research on topics of particular relevance to policymakers, society, and the private sector in Albania. These studies provide significant added value by addressing current and pressing issues, offering well-founded conclusions, and proposing practical solutions.

We are pleased to note a considerable increase in the number of theses that approach these topics through empirical analysis. Students not only make judicious use of existing information and databases but also enhance them through surveys and other statistical research, thereby strengthening both the quality and reliability of their findings. As a result, the Committee finds the task of selecting the most outstanding works increasingly challenging, given the high calibre of submissions received.

I congratulate you on your outstanding work and encourage you to apply the knowledge and skills you have demonstrated with dedication and insight in the institutions you will serve in the future. With my sincere thanks once again, I am pleased to proceed with the announcement of this year's awards.