Author(s): Stela Mecaj, Jonida Mehmetaj
Environmental policies include initiatives taken by state authorities and the private sector to discipline environment protection. Environmental policies aim to create an appropriate legal framework and the necessary mechanisms for the implementation of the legislation. This paper analyzes issues such as definitions of environmental policies, recent developments in environmental legislation in Albania, creating a balance between environmental policies, market needs and economic developments, estimating the costs and benefits of environmental policies in the economy, as well as the impact on environment of the Trans Adriatic Pipeline. The paper addressed two scientific research questions: How can a balance be struck between market needs and the economy with environmental policies? What are the latest developments in environmental legislation in Albania? At the end of this paper, it is concluded that economic and environmental development should be treated equally by governments and responsible environmental institutions should prepare periodic reports in order to guarantee the implementation of environmental laws. The balance between environmental protection and economic development can be ensured through regular audits. This paper is based on qualitative research methodology, which includes the collection of historical data through logical deductions.