Albania has suspended certain construction activities in coastal areas, protected tourist zones, and historic urban centers in an effort to reduce noise and environmental disruption during the peak summer tourism season.

The decision, approved by the Council of Ministers and published in the Official Gazette, entered into force this week and will remain in effect until September 15, 2026.

According to Tourism Minister Blendi Gonxhja, the temporary measure aims to ensure the smooth development of the tourist season, protect key destinations, and provide a quieter and higher-quality environment for both residents and visitors.

“The suspension period begins with the entry into force of this decision and ends on September 15, 2026. This measure aims to guarantee the normal development of the tourist season, the protection of tourist destinations, and a calmer and more qualitative environment for citizens and visitors,” Gonxhja said.

Under the decision, construction activities involving quarries, extraction sites, processing facilities, and the exploitation of construction materials will be suspended during this period. The restrictions also apply to construction work from excavation and foundation stages through the completion of the structural framework of buildings, as well as any activity causing excessive noise, dust, or environmental pollution.

The suspension also applies to construction projects outside designated tourist areas if their nature, location, or operation could affect the normal development of tourism activities.

Authorities said violations of the decision will result in fines of 2 million Albanian lekë.

Some activities are exempt from the suspension, including interior finishing works, minor construction works carried out after the completion of the building structure, and the establishment or organization of construction sites. These activities will only be permitted between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

The government clarified that the suspension period will be calculated as additional time added to the validity period of existing construction permits.