Draft Decision “On the Approval of Special Requirements for the Examination of Requests for Environmental Permits of Types A, B, and C, Transfer of Permits, and Conditions for the Respective Environmental Permits”

On June 12, 2023, the Ministry of Tourism and Environment released for public consultation the draft decision “On Amending and Supplementing Decision No. 419, dated June 25, 2014, of the Council of Ministers, ‘On the Approval of Special Requirements for the Examination of Requests for Environmental Permits of Types A, B, and C, Transfer of Permits, and Conditions for the Respective Environmental Permits, as well as Detailed Review Rules by Competent Authorities until Permits are Issued by the National Business Center (NBC)’,” as amended.

The proposed draft decision aims to align with the recent amendments made to Law No. 10448, dated July 14, 2011, “On Environmental Permits Law“.

Additionally, it seeks to streamline the application procedure for environmental permits by reducing processing timeframes and eliminating any extra financial burdens associated with the application process.

In accordance with the amendments to Law No. 10448/2011, the draft decision suggests the removal of provisions related to Type C permits, as they have been repealed. Consequently, the permit system will be restructured into a two-level framework. This adjustment ensures that the permit regulations remain current and reflect the revised legal framework.

The draft decision also entails a reorganization of institutions. Specifically, the State Inspectorate of Environment, Forests, and Waters will no longer function as an inspection agency but will operate as a directorate branch under the National Environment Agency.

Furthermore, the draft decision proposes revised timelines for reviewing requests related to environmental permits. The suggested timeframe for reviewing Type A permit applications will be reduced from the current 60 (sixty) working days to 43 (forty-three) working days. Similarly, the evaluation period for Type B permit requests will be shortened from 40 (forty) working days to 32 (thirty-two) working days.

Lastly, in case of incomplete or inaccurate documentation the National Agency of Environment will notify the applicant through the e-Albania portal. The applicant should provide the missing or corrected information within 5 days from the notification date.