Tirana Hosts EBRA Working Group Meetings for the First Time
Minister Ibrahimaj: Modernizing business registers with a focus on digitalization, transparency, and European integration
Albania is hosting, for the first time, the Working Group meetings of the European Business Registry Association (EBRA), an important European event bringing together experts and leaders of business registers from across Europe. The meetings are taking place on March 24–25 in Tirana and are organized by the National Business Center (NBC).
The event includes working groups on company law, open data, and beneficial ownership, addressing key issues related to transparency, digitalization, and interoperability of business registration systems across Europe.
In her remarks, the Minister of Economy and Innovation, Ms. Delina Ibrahimaj, highlighted Albania’s progress in business registration and services.
“Today, Albania offers a fully digitalized system for business registration and services. Applications are completed online, processes are fast and standardized, and registration is finalized within 24 hours.
This transformation has increased efficiency, reduced costs for entrepreneurs, and strengthened trust in institutions. At the same time, we have advanced important legal reforms aimed at aligning with the European Union acquis.
We are working to improve the framework for beneficial ownership, enhance transparency, and ensure access to accurate and reliable data. The results are tangible. Albania is positively evaluated in international indices for administrative efficiency and ease of doing business, ranking among the most advanced countries in the region in this regard,” said Ms. Ibrahimaj.
Meanwhile, the Director General of the National Business Center, Mr. Etugert Llazi, emphasized the importance of this event for both the institution and the country.
“The fact that this meeting is being held in Albania for the first time represents an important milestone and a clear recognition of the progress made in the development of business registers. The digitalization of processes and the improvement of data quality have been at the core of the NBC’s transformation, increasing transparency and service efficiency for businesses.”
He added that the NBC will continue to modernize the legal framework in alignment with EU acquis and maintain open communication with the business community to further improve services and reduce the administrative burden on entrepreneurs.
Over the two days, discussions are focused on the most advanced European developments, including interconnection with the Business Registers Interconnection System (BRIS), initiatives related to the European Business Wallet, and the implementation of the “once-only” principle aimed at reducing bureaucracy for businesses.
Special attention is also being given to the Beneficial Owners Register as a key instrument for increasing transparency, combating money laundering, and ensuring compliance with European Union standards.
This event represents an important opportunity for Albania to showcase its achievements in reforming business registers, exchange experiences with European partners, and further strengthen institutional cooperation in support of European integration.
The EBRA meetings are expected to contribute to the further advancement of transparency standards, data quality, and business services, positioning Albania as an active player in the European network of business registers.
Address: “Zhan D’Ark” Boulevard, Property No. 33, House of the Military, Tirana
Ministry of Economy and Innovation
