Albania is intensifying its use of artificial intelligence (AI) in government administration to accelerate its EU accession process and combat corruption, the government announced.
Prime Minister Edi Rama recently suggested the possibility of creating a ministry entirely managed by AI, describing it as “the most efficient future member of government,” according to Brussels-based Politico.
“One day, we might even have a ministry completely run by artificial intelligence. That way, there would be no nepotism or conflicts of interest,” Rama said during a July press conference, highlighting the country’s digitalization efforts.
Local IT experts are already developing AI models to assist in the selection and appointment of digital ministers, and Rama envisions Albania potentially becoming the first country with a government entirely based on AI, including the prime minister.
Current Applications of AI in Albania
Although the idea is not yet official policy, AI is already used in multiple sectors:
- Public procurement oversight and monitoring of tax and customs transactions
- Detection of illegal construction
- Monitoring beaches and cannabis plantations using drones and satellites
- Road safety enforcement through facial recognition to issue digital warnings and fines
AI is also applied in digital public services. Over 95% of administrative services are available via the e-Albania portal, where a virtual AI officer assists citizens. According to government data, the platform has handled more than 49 million transactions, saving citizens over €600 million.
Since Albania began EU accession talks in 2022, AI is being used to translate and analyze complex legal documents in alignment with the EU acquis, which encompasses roughly 250,000 pages.
While authorities emphasize the benefits of AI, experts and the opposition warn that technology cannot replace structural reforms.
In promotional initiatives, AI has even been used to create animated “baby versions” of European leaders during the Tirana summit in May, who welcomed guests in their native languages via digital voices.
Albania aims to become a cashless society by 2030, with authorities highlighting digitalization as a key tool in fighting corruption and progressing toward EU membership.
