MACECON-EI is an Erasmus+ Jean Monnet Module coordinated by Luarasi University in Tirana, Albania, exploring macroeconomics in the context of European integration. Through teaching, research and academic discussion, the project examines economic reforms, business competitiveness and the opportunities and challenges facing Albania and the Western Balkans on their path towards the European Union.


Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the granting authority. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

Scientific Publications

As part of the MACECON-EI project, the project team carries out research on European economic integration, with particular attention to Albania’s EU accession process, macroeconomic policies, and the effects of European integration on different sectors of the economy. During the three-year implementation period, the project foresees the presentation and/or publication of three research papers in academic conferences and scientific journals

Research Paper 1
Title: Competitiveness of Western Balkan Firms in the European Union Market
Author(s): Dr. ETIS JORGJI; Prof. Assoc. DR. LEONTIJEV ÇUÇI; MSc. KRIST BAKIU

Abstract:  Integrating businesses from the Western Balkans into the European Union market is a significant development that benefits economic growth and regional stability. However, these firms encounter numerous obstacles that affect their competitive ability. This study on business competitiveness in the Western Balkans within the European Union market assesses opportunities and challenges by analyzing current competitiveness levels. The quantitative analysis examines the market share, export performance, and perceived competitiveness of Western Balkan companies. The results show that although certain companies from the Western Balkans have entered the European Union market successfully, others face challenges, such as regulatory compliance, finance access, and technological progress. Institutional factors, such as governance and infrastructure quality, influence competitive results. Furthermore, companies that have implemented new tactics and have established partnerships have shown greater success and flexibility. These findings led to the paper proposing multiple policy suggestions. This involves improving regulations to match European Union standards, providing targeted financial support programs for increased access to finance, and investing more in research and development to encourage innovation. Improving institutional capacities and infrastructure is equally important for bolstering the long-term competitiveness of Western Balkan companies. This study adds to the wider discussion on regional economic integration and competitiveness, offering valuable perspectives for policymakers, businesses, and academics focused on the economic growth of the Western Balkans and their inclusion in the European Union market.

Keywords: Competitiveness, Western Balkans, European Union (EU) Market, Trade Barriers, Economic Integration, Regional Development

Conference: Albania’s Fragile Economy and Sustainable Development


Date: April 2026

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Research Paper 2
Title: Support Policies for SMEs in the Western Balkans: A Comparative Assessment of Access to Finance


Author: PhD(c). Mirsie Musaj

Abstract: Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) constitute a key component of economic development in Albania and in the countries of the Western Balkans, contributing to economic growth, employment, and the promotion of entrepreneurship. In this context, the design of effective public support instruments for this segment remains a continuous priority for policymakers. This study aims to analyse the existing framework of institutional interventions in Albania and to conduct a regional comparison with Western Balkan countries. The methodology employed is descriptive and comparative, based on scientific literature and empirical data obtained from reliable international sources.

The analysis focuses on the dimension of access to finance, in line with the indicators defined by the Small Business Act framework, including the use of bank credit, perceptions of financial constraints, reasons for not engaging in the credit application process, and collateral requirements. The empirical findings show that, despite the existence of formal financing opportunities, enterprises face significant structural barriers related to lending conditions and high collateral requirements. This highlights a mismatch between potential access and the effective use of financial instruments. Furthermore, the results identify differences among countries in the region, reflecting varying levels of financial development and the effectiveness of support mechanisms. The study contributes to the existing literature by providing a regional comparative perspective and by identifying best practices that can inform improvements in support policies, particularly in facilitating financing conditions and increasing financial inclusion.

Keywords: small and medium-sized enterprises; public intervention; enterprise financing; economic development; private sector lending.


Conference: Albania’s Fragile Economy and Sustainable Development


Date: April 2026

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Research Paper 3
Title: Measuring Reform Synchronization: An Empirical Study of Ease of Doing Business Score Correlations in the Balkans
Author: Dr. Zhaklina Dhamo

Abstract:

The research investigates the synchronization of reforms across Balkan countries regarding business climate during 2010-2020. Ease of doing business scores (EoDB), measured, monitored and published by the World Bank is used as a measure. 

The paper tracks three main questions: 1) did Western Balkan economies follow the same direction and pace of regulatory reform, 2) did the sync change in two sub periods, established by the revision of the World Bank scoring methodology change, 3) are the patterns of reform consistent with broader EU oriented institutional alignment. We use annual proportional change of EoDB scores of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Croatia to measure cross country Pearson Correlations within the two methodological windows, DB10-14 and DB17-21. Results show partial instead of general convergence. Earlier periods show solid correlation among Croatia, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia, as Albania explores a root different from most peers. The most recent window shows new convergence paths, like Albania-Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia-North Macedonia, but Kosovo and Montenegro seem unsynchronized with the rest of the region. These observations may imply that EU integration has encouraged reform coordination up to a certain level between Balkan countries. However, institutional change remains fragmented, random, and highly reliable on local capacities. 


Keywords: regulatory alignment, policy diffusion, accession conditionality, institutional trajectory, comparative reform.

Conference: Albania’s Fragile Economy and Sustainable Development


Date: April 2026

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