Minister of Economy, Culture and Innovation, Blendi Gonxhja, described as a historic step for thousands of citizens, the approval by the Italian Senate of the agreement for the recognition of social security contributions of citizens of both countries.

After 15 years of negotiations, the agreement was signed on Wednesday by the Italian Senate. “This agreement guarantees the pension rights of thousands of Albanian workers in Italy and Italians in Albania. No working year is lost. Security and new prospects for 550 thousand Albanians and 4 thousand Italians,” said the minister.

The finalization of this agreement guarantees the pension rights of Albanian workers in Italy or Italian workers in Albania.

The subject of this agreement is the benefits from the mandatory social security scheme, which include old-age pension, disability pension and family pension, sickness and maternity insurance, and unemployment insurance.

“Benefits for old-age pension, disability, family, sickness and unemployment,” emphasized Minister Gonxhja.

This agreement is crucial for the social security and financial stability of over 500,000 Albanians living in Italy. It ensures that these individuals can benefit from Italy’s social security schemes, including pensions for old age, disability, and family benefits. For many, especially those who have spent their working years contributing to both Albanian and Italian pension systems, this agreement will provide a safety net for their retirement years.

The pension agreement between Italy and Albania is a crucial legal framework designed to safeguard the rights of individuals who have contributed to the social security systems in both countries. It allows Albanian and Italian workers to combine their contribution periods from both systems, ensuring they meet the eligibility criteria for pensions and other benefits. Specifically, this agreement applies to old-age pensions, disability pensions, and family pensions, but also extends to other essential protections such as sickness and maternity benefits, and unemployment insurance.