The Impact of European Integration on Albania’s Financial Inclusion

This paper explores the influence of European Union (EU) integration on financial inclusion in Albania, a Southeast European country undergoing structural reforms in preparation for EU membership. It investigates how Albania’s alignment with EU policies and standards has affected access to financial services, banking sector development, regulatory frameworks, and the adoption of digital financial tools. The study uses a qualitative methodology with data from official EU reports, national banking statistics, and academic literature to assess the extent of progress made in financial inclusion. It argues that while EU integration has had a positive impact, challenges such as low financial literacy, regional disparities, and institutional weaknesses continue to hinder full inclusion.