Albania is undergoing a radical transformation by mobilizing AI against corruption and aiming for its integration into the EU. Prime Minister Edi Rama envisions a future where ministries led by artificial intelligences could abolish nepotism and conflicts of interest. This revolutionary technology is already proving its worth in areas such as public procurement management and environmental monitoring, while also contributing to the acceleration of EU accession negotiations.
The use of AI to combat corruption
Albania is resolutely turning to artificial intelligence (AI) in its fight against corruption. Prime Minister Edi Rama has highlighted the potential benefits of this technology in the context of official elections, government tender management, and ministerial administration. The possibility of an AI-led ministry has been mentioned, thus minimizing the risks of nepotism and conflicts of interest.
Several innovations are already being implemented. AI contributes to the public procurement process, tax and customs monitoring, while also engaging in environmental protection. Through the use of drones and satellite systems, authorities are able to detect illegal constructions as well as cannabis plantations.
Implication in the EU accession process
This technological approach also takes on a strategic dimension as part of Albania’s accession to the European Union. Following the formal opening of negotiations in 2022, the country is working to align its national laws with the acquis communautaire. AI plays a significant role in accelerating this task, translating and comparing hundreds of thousands of pages of legislation.
Rama is collaborating with Mira Murati, former CTO of OpenAI, to successfully carry out this process. The set objective is to complete this alignment by 2027, five years earlier than Croatia’s integration. The capacity of AI to handle translation and analysis is valuable, but political oversight remains essential.
Citizen services and transparency
Citizen services also benefit from AI. Through the e-Albania portal, users can manage their tax documents, birth certificates, and licenses digitally. This system has enabled the completion of 49 million transactions over five years, generating savings of more than 600 million euros for citizens and the diaspora.
AI also proves effective in engaging the public, notably by creating avatars of European leaders during the European Political Community summit in 2025. These initiatives aim to enhance citizen involvement while utilizing advanced technologies.
Challenges and warnings
Despite significant progress, experts note that Albania still needs to develop infrastructure and resources for fully AI-driven governance. Gerond Taçi, a local AI specialist, insists that this deployment requires careful planning, legal adjustments, and disaster recovery strategies.
Opposition figures warn against an excessive reliance on AI to combat corruption. Jorida Tabaku of the Democratic Party emphasizes that this technology should be deployed in a transparent manner. She stresses the importance of governance reforms accompanying AI, mentioning that corrupt actors could manipulate these tools to perpetuate dysfunctions.
Achievements and future projections
The integration of AI in Albania is underway, but it requires constant vigilance. The country must chart a future where technology serves the public interest while avoiding potential pitfalls. Commitment to this technological path reveals Albania’s willingness to evolve and incorporate 21st-century standards into its governmental operations.
Frequently asked questions about the use of AI in Albania to fight corruption and accelerate EU accession
How does artificial intelligence help Albania fight corruption?
Artificial intelligence is used to monitor public markets, taxation, and customs. It also helps detect illegal constructions and cannabis plantations, thus aiding in the reduction of corrupt practices.
What are the projects for integrating AI into the Albanian government?
The government plans to integrate AI for election management, public procurement allocation, and potentially to lead certain ministries, contributing to a more transparent administration.
What types of citizen services are improved through AI in Albania?
Through the e-Albania platform, citizens can manage their tax documents, birth certificates, and other licenses digitally, resulting in significant savings for the population.
How is AI participating in Albania’s EU accession process?
AI accelerates the process of aligning national laws with the EU acquis communautaire by translating and comparing thousands of pages of legislation.
Are there risks associated with the use of AI in Albanian governance?
Experts warn that AI alone cannot solve systemic corruption issues. It is critical that the technology is deployed alongside broader governance reforms.
What experts are assisting Albania in integrating AI?
Prime Minister Edi Rama is collaborating with specialists like Mira Murati, former CTO of OpenAI, to guide Albania in the effective use of AI during its EU accession process.
What are the next steps for AI integration in Albania?
Albania plans to continue developing its AI-based systems, including applying this technology to education, health, and road safety, while implementing measures to ensure transparency.
