Albania education spending falls to 2.9% of GDP

Albania's public spending on education remains significantly lower than the European Union average. According to Eurostat data for 2023, education expenditures in Albania accounted for only 2.9% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

This figure is 1.8 percentage points below the EU average of 4.7%. To reach the EU average, Albania would need to increase its education funding by approximately 60% relative to its economy. Within the Western Balkans, Albania also ranks lowest in education spending, trailing the regional average of 3.9%.

In comparison, Sweden, Finland, and Belgium lead the EU in education investment, spending 6.8%, 6.3%, and 6.2% of their GDP, respectively. The Eurostat statistics encompass public funding across all levels, from pre-school to university and doctoral studies.