A Regional Innovation Center of the European Institute of Technology and Innovation for Raw Materials (EIT Raw Materials Regional Innovation Center) has been established in Elbasan.

The Center, the only one in the Western Balkans, aims to promote scientific research in the mining sector, the continuity of research, and the discovery and processing of raw materials, relying on innovation. Also, the Center will serve for the cooperation and exchange of experiences between Albanian professionals and experts and those of the European Union in the search-discovery and processing of mining materials, especially those of strategic importance.

The Deputy PM and Minister of Infrastructure and Energy, Belinda Balluku, who participated in the center's opening ceremony, announced that the new project will revitalize the mining sector.

Balluku emphasized that due to the entire global situation of recent years, the focus of governments shifted away from the mining sector.

But, she continued, the situation showed us that we cannot depend on a limited country, as was the case of the area of Ukraine or Russia, to have raw materials, which are important for the functioning of the continents.

The Deputy Prime Minister pointed out that even with the support of the European Union, as a strategic partner of Albania, the government managed to open “a new nest, a new incubator of ideas, of academic research, of promoting a sector that is the mining sector in the Republic of Albania.” According to Balluku, the center, in addition to promoting research and discovery, will turn into an incubator to grow young professionals.

Deputy Prime Minister Balluku said that the year 2024 is a year where the Albanian government has undoubtedly put human capital in its focus.

Critical raw materials like chrome, copper, iron, or nickel are an important economic opportunity for Albania and the Western Balkans. To support Albania and the Western Balkans to process and add value to these precious resources, the EIT Raw Materials Regional Innovation Centre in Elbasan on Tuesday, the EU said in a press release.

“Today, I discovered a world full of opportunities and challenges as well. We will support Albania ???????? to exploit the potential of the mining sector sustainably. This center is expected to be a driver of sustainable growth and innovation,” said EU Ambassador Silvio Gonzato.