Albanian Institute for International Studies (AIIS) organized a discussion forum on “FDI Screening as an Instrument for Protecting National Interests and Enhancing Alignment with the EU.”

The forum brought together experts to discuss the importance of establishing a Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) screening framework in Albania, a crucial step as the country progresses in its EU accession negotiations. The European Union has emphasized that Albania currently lacks such legislation and procedures, underscoring the need to address this gap to ensure greater alignment with EU standards and the protection of national interests.

The event was opened by Alba Cela, Executive Director of AIIS, and Ana Krstinovska, Executive Director of Estima, who highlighted the significance of FDI screening in balancing economic openness with national security and EU integration. They stressed that while foreign investments play a key role in Albania’s economic development, it is equally important to ensure that they align with the country’s long-term strategic objectives and regulatory frameworks.

A distinguished panel of experts contributed to the discussion, including Zef Preçi, Drejtori Ekzekutiv i ACER, and Jorida Tabaku, Member of Parliament of Albania. In his remarks, Zef Preçi provided valuable insights into the necessity of a transparent and effective screening mechanism for foreign investments, emphasizing that such a framework would help mitigate potential risks, safeguard national assets, and foster sustainable economic growth. He also highlighted best practices from other countries that have successfully implemented FDI screening policies, offering recommendations on how Albania can develop a system that ensures both investor confidence and national security.

This event, funded by the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), served as a vital platform for policymakers, experts, and stakeholders to engage in a meaningful dialogue on the future of Albania’s investment policies and its European integration efforts.