Digitalization of Cadastral Services in Albania within the Framework of EU Integration: A Legal–Comparative Analysis

Abstract

This study explores the digitalization of cadastral services in Albania as a critical element of the country’s progress toward European Union integration. The research aims to evaluate how the modernization of land administration and property registration systems contributes to the approximation of Albanian legislation with EU legal and administrative standards. Using a legal comparative and qualitative research methodology, the study systematically examines the alignment of Albania’s normative framework and institutional practices with key EU instruments, including the INSPIRE Directive 2007/2/EC, the Public Sector Information Directive 2019/1024, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR 2016/679), and the Land Administration Domain Model (ISO 19152 – LADM). The methodological approach combines document analysis, normative comparison, and institutional assessment, allowing for a structured evaluation of legal convergence, technological development, and governance mechanisms. The findings indicate that Albania has made notable progress in harmonizing its cadastral legislation and establishing a digital land administration infrastructure. However, the research also identifies persistent challenges related to data interoperability, administrative coordination, institutional capacity, and the guarantee of legal certainty within the digital environment. The article concludes by offering evidence based recommendations to strengthen legal alignment with the EU acquis, enhance inter-institutional cooperation, and improve data governance and transparency in cadastral services.