Albania's Overall Balance (% of GDP): Net Lending/Borrowing Trends and Forecasts (1990-2029)

Albania's net lending/borrowing trends have exhibited a steady improvement over the past decades, with significant challenges during the late 1990s. The economic turmoil following the collapse of pyramid schemes in 1997 resulted in a sharp deficit of -11.9% of GDP, signaling a period of instability. However, as governance and fiscal policies improved, the deficit gradually narrowed, reaching -3.3% by 2006. The 2008 global financial crisis temporarily reversed progress, pushing the deficit to -6.6% in 2009, but fiscal discipline helped stabilize it around -3.5% during the following years.

In recent years, Albania's fiscal health has been tested by the COVID-19 pandemic, with the deficit peaking at -6.7% in 2020. Recovery efforts brought gradual improvement, with the balance projected to reach -1.1% in 2023. Forecasts for 2024-2029 suggest a stabilization around -2.7%, reflecting cautious fiscal policies and moderate economic growth. While challenges remain, the long-term trend demonstrates resilience and structural reforms.