Business Networking Event & Info Day on EU Green Funding Opportunities - Supporting Albania’s Private Sector on its Path to Circular Economy and Green Growth

On 26 November 2025, the Delegation of the European Union to Albania organised the Business Networking Event & Info Day on EU Green Funding Opportunities, a major milestone of the EU4GreenGen campaign “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle for a Greener Albania”. Conceived as a practical and forward-looking platform, the event brought together entrepreneurs, financial institutions, EU-funded programmes, government representatives, and women leaders in green business to strengthen Albania’s transition towards a circular, competitive, and climate-resilient economy.

The event comes at a pivotal time, as Albania advances negotiations under EU Chapter 27 – Environment and Climate Change and implements key national strategies, including the Integrated Waste Management Strategy 2020–2035, the Circular Economy Roadmap, and the new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation. These reforms call for stronger private sector engagement, more innovation, and wider access to green financing.

By convening SMEs, start-ups, chambers of commerce, green entrepreneurs, banks, EBRD, EIB, and EU-funded projects, the Info Day served as a unique opportunity for businesses to gain direct insight into EU programmes, financing instruments, and circular solutions that can help them compete in the evolving European market.

High-Level Opening and Strategic Messages

The event opened with remarks by Mr. Silvio Gonzato, Ambassador and Head of the EU Delegation to Albania, representatives of Albanian Government and the President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Tirana.

Their messages underlined the EU’s firm commitment to supporting Albania’s economic transformation and highlighted the crucial role of the private sector—especially women-led businesses—in accelerating innovation, reducing waste, and integrating circular models across industries.

Participants had the chance to visit information booths run by EU-funded programmes, green businesses, financial institutions, and international partners, all showcasing real funding opportunities, success stories, and green technologies relevant to the Albanian market.

A series of thematic presentations provided in-depth guidance on:

• EU programmes supporting green transition – EU Delegation / Sustainable Economic and Social Development Section
• Circular economy challenges and opportunities – Circular Economy Expert
• EBRD financial instruments for SMEs
• EIB green business support
• EU4Circular Economy & Livable Cities
• Interreg Euro-Med GreenSET
• Digitalisation solutions for tourism & agriculture SMEs (DIVA)
• Horizon Europe – Cluster 6 opportunities

These sessions aimed to provide guidance on the practical steps for Albanian companies to access grants, loans, technical support, and innovation programmes financed by the European Union and its Member States.

One of the most anticipated moments of the event was the Green Queen Award, a new initiative celebrating women entrepreneurs who are pioneering circular economy models in Albania. The award forms part of the EU Delegation’s public diplomacy strategy to promote women’s leadership, sustainability, and innovation.

EU Delegation to Albania

Three winners were selected based on their environmental impact, innovative solutions, community engagement, and potential for scale. Monetary prizes will support the strengthening of their digital marketing and business outreach.

This recognition aims to inspire more women-led enterprises to adopt circular models and become drivers of Albania’s green transition.

Networking & Partnership Building

Throughout the event, dedicated networking sessions allowed businesses to:

• connect with EU programmes and financial institutions
• explore collaboration opportunities
• learn from successful green entrepreneurs
• exchange insights on waste reduction, recycling, circular design, and green business growth

EU Delegation to Albania

The Business Networking Event & Info Day demonstrated how the EU, the Government of Albania, the private sector, and the financial community can work together to accelerate the transition to a circular economy, reduce environmental impacts, and unlock new opportunities for sustainable growth.

By improving access to EU green funding, strengthening knowledge, and supporting innovators—especially women—the event contributes to building a greener, more resilient, and more competitive Albanian economy.