Archive · Economy
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
12 stories
- BusinessMickoski: North Macedonia has two ways to sustain growth, more children or foreign workersAfter Deputy Prime Minister Nikolloski said the country needs 50,000 foreign workers a year through 2030, the prime minister said the need could be even greater.
- BusinessKosovo: AZHB to review rejected wheat subsidy applications, cites “technical error”After criticism that the criteria changed after the deadline closed, the Agency for Agricultural Development says the affected cases will be handled under the 2026 administrative instruction.
- BusinessTirana protests: 80 businesses report damage as tax officials deploy 10 teams to verify claimsBusinesses damaged during eight days of protests are declaring their losses through the “Dëmi im” (“My Damage”) service on e-Albania. For some of them, the reported damage reaches 12 million lek.
- BusinessKelmend residents and two environmental groups sue the state over hydropower plants in VukëlThe lawsuit at the Tirana Administrative Court seeks to halt construction and annul the “Ura e Tamarës” concession and the permits for the existing Vukël hydropower plant.
- MarketsEuro falls below 91 lek for the first time: official rate 90.77, annual decline reaches 6.2%The European currency lost another 33 qindarka in a single day, while last week's unrest has not boosted demand for foreign currency.
- JobsNorth Macedonia: union minimum basket rises to 70,358 denars in October, 926 more than in SeptemberIncluding rent for a 60-square-meter apartment, a family's minimum monthly expenses reach 85,733 denars, according to the SSM.
- MarketsBanks ease lending to small businesses but turn down individuals more oftenThe Bank of Albania's survey for July–September shows growing demand for consumer loans and weaker interest in mortgages.
- BusinessWater utilities weighed down by energy: debt of non-budget customers to OSHEE reaches 21.21 billion lekNine of the 17 water companies failed in 2025 to cover their operating and maintenance costs with their revenue.
- BusinessAudit of North Macedonia's State Lottery: unpaid contributions, 15-year contracts and unlicensed gamesThe State Audit Office issued a negative opinion on five online gaming companies in which the Lottery owns 51%.
- BusinessKosovo: farmers receive decisions and direct payments for 2026 this week, with 33,460 applicationsThe Agriculture Ministry says administrative and on-site checks have been completed; lists of beneficiaries will be published along with the payments.
- BusinessProtests shut 33 bank branches in Tirana and Durrës; economist Sefa: damage up to 10 million eurosSeveral banks announced closures or shortened hours, while customers are being directed to digital channels and ATMs.
- BusinessKosovo municipalities: over 100 million euros went to bailiffs over collective contracts; Gjakova sues the governmentSazan Ibrahimi, director of the Association of Kosovo Municipalities, says up to 30% of the amounts enforced end up with bailiffs and lawyers. The Commercial Court begins hearing Gjakova's lawsuit.