Albania ranks third in Europe for high dairy prices

Albania has become the European Union’s third‑most expensive country for dairy products, with milk and egg prices reaching 135.6 % of the EU average in 2025 – virtually the same level as Norway (135.7 %). The index has risen sharply from 112.3 % in 2022, making dairy 36 % above the EU average.

Eurostat data show that only Switzerland is pricier, with an index of 144 % of the EU average. Regional neighbours remain cheaper: Serbia 107.1 %, Croatia 111.2 %, Montenegro 95 %, Bosnia‑Herzegovina 92 % and North Macedonia 89.6 %. The overall food price index is now about 3 % above the EU average. The price surge pressures Albanian household budgets, especially as dairy products are staple foods. The livestock sector has contracted sharply over the past decade, with herd numbers halving and production falling, while demand from tourism has risen. Small farms face further strain from EU‑standard harmonisation costs and reliance on imported inputs.