THE LEGAL ALIGNMENT OF ALBANIA WITH THE EU ACQUIS: SUSTAINABLE RAW MATERIALS, GREEN MARKET DEVELOPMENT, AND THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY

The alignment of Albania's legal and institutional framework with EU acquis on sustainable raw materials, industrial processing, and environmental protection is essential for advancing a circular and green economy.While Albania has made substantial progress in legislative approximation, effective implementation remains limited due to institutional fragmentation, limited coordination among competent authorities, and gaps in enforcement.This study conducts a comparative legal analysis of Albania's legislation with EU's 2024 regulatory package on circular economy, sustainability, waste management, and raw materials security.The research identifies key legislative and institutional gaps, evaluates the degree of harmonization, and proposes actionable reforms to facilitate the development of a green market and sustainable raw materials exchange.The findings emphasize the importance of strengthened institutional cooperation, digital environmental monitoring, fiscal and regulatory incentives, and technical support for enterprises.By addressing these areas, Albania can enhance compliance with EU standards, support environmentally responsible industrial practices, and promote a functional circular economy, ultimately contributing to the country's EU integration and long-term sustainable development goals.