As the third in the series of in-country kick-off events, the event marked the official launch of the new cycle of the SME Policy Index for the Western Balkans and Türkiye in Albania, setting the stage and structure for 18 months of close cooperation. It also served as a platform to secure broad stakeholder engagement and institutional support— both of which are key to ensuring timely, high-quality input for the OECD’s evidence-based assessment.
Bringing together over 50 participants from 19 ministries and government agencies, the meeting heightened the SME Policy Index’s local relevance and visibility. Participants were able to familiarise themselves with the updated methodology and key innovations of the 2026 edition, clarify their roles, and provide valuable feedback—laying the groundwork for effective coordination with the OECD and robust data collection ahead.
Albania’s strong engagement underlined the SME Policy Index as a powerful catalyst for reform and progress. It reinforced the OECD’s role as a reliable partner on the economy’s EU accession path, paving the way for meaningful collaboration and a high-impact, action-oriented assessment.
The technical discussions recognised the SME Policy Index as a key driver of reform and EU integration for Albania. More than just a benchmarking tool, participants saw it as a strategic framework to align structural reforms with EU standards and boost SME resilience and competitiveness. The meeting reaffirmed the OECD’s vital role as a trusted partner, positioning the Index as both a reform lever and a catalyst for deeper integration into the EU market. It set the course for a focused, results-driven evaluation process ahead.
