Albania remains among the countries with the lowest ability to save on the continent, with only a small portion of the population able to put money aside.
The latest official data from the Bank of Albania shows that less than a fifth of Albanians aged 15 and over report that they have been able to save, a significantly lower level not only compared to European Union countries, but also to most countries in the region.
Compared to neighboring countries, Albania ranks at the bottom of the list in terms of the share of the population with savings, while in EU countries more than half of citizens are able to put money aside.
Differences are also pronounced within the country, where the ability to save is much lower among low-income families and in rural areas, while it is somewhat higher among higher-income groups and in urban centers.
For many families, monthly income is spent almost entirely on basic expenses such as food, energy, rent and transportation, leaving little or no room for savings.
Data shows that while a small portion of higher-income individuals manage to build up savings, the majority of the population faces ongoing financial difficulties.
This situation highlights the need for policies that encourage income growth, strengthen financial education, and create more accessible instruments to help citizens save.
Euronews