FLASH NEWS
"Smart City"/ $140 million in debt, for a project with questionable privacy issues
2026-02-09 19:01:13 / POLITIKË
When the “Smart City” project was first announced, it was presented as a step towards modernizing security and urban management. Smart cameras, data analytics, and the use of advanced technology were described as tools for a safer city. But as the project progresses, questions about transparency, personal data protection, and costs remain open.
"Smart City" includes the provision and installation of artificial intelligence platforms for city and traffic management, in addition to an advanced control center.
The $140 million project envisages the establishment of a monitoring system through the installation of about 5,000 cameras in the country's largest cities. It also includes 3,000 body cameras for state police officers.
EC: "Responsibility is national"
In response to a request for information, the European Commission explained to Fakotje.al that personal data protection issues in candidate countries, including Albania, are monitored in the framework of accession negotiations. Brussels' expectation is that Albania will handle personal data in accordance with its national law.
“Albania has recently adopted new data protection legislation, in line with the EU acquis. We therefore expect Albania to handle personal data in accordance with its national legislation,” the Commission’s response states.
Even in the field of public procurement, the Commission emphasizes that its role is supportive and evaluative at the framework level, not individual contracts.
“It is now up to Albania to assess the compliance of individual contracts with EU public procurement standards,” the Commission explains.
The People's Advocate: "I have no complaints"
In Tirana, the Ombudsman maintains an equally reserved stance. In its official response to Faktoje.al, the institution recalls that its powers are exercised on the basis of concrete and individualized complaints, or when there are credible indications of human rights violations.
“The protection of personal data and respect for private life are guaranteed by the Constitution and by applicable legislation,” the response states, adding that public authorities are obliged to respect the principles of necessity, proportionality and security when processing data.
Regarding the "Smart City" project, the Ombudsman explains that he is willing to evaluate any issue related to its impact on citizens' rights, but only if concrete complaints or verifiable facts are presented.
Even recommendations to public administration bodies, according to the Ombudsman, are given only after a concrete violation of human rights is ascertained. The institution underlines that it does not exercise general supervision over public policies and does not interfere with administrative discretion, as long as it is exercised in accordance with the law.
The "Smart City" project began as an official initiative in April 2024, when former Interior Minister Taulant Balla signed a memorandum of understanding with the company 'Presight AI', part of the G42 group based in the United Arab Emirates.
The agreement, classified as secret, envisages the installation of a network of cameras and radars in the country's main cities, with the aim of increasing public safety and improving traffic management through artificial intelligence.
In February 2025, during the first visit of the President of the United Arab Emirates to Tirana, Prime Minister Edi Rama signed a letter of commitment for the project, which became part of projects of national importance.
The cost, initially estimated at $60 million, almost doubled after the visit and will be covered through a loan from the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, reaching $140 million including VAT.
The project includes the installation of 2,239 ANPR cameras, 2,602 PTZ cameras, 3,816 body cameras for the police, as well as 100 smart radars and 100 traffic noise sensors.
The project budget shows that $31 million goes for software licenses, $62.4 million for hardware and infrastructure, $8 million for professional services, and $17.1 million for four-year maintenance.
In December 2025, the company 'Presight AI', a data and Artificial Intelligence company registered in Abu Dhabi, opened its branch in Albania, with the sole objective of implementing the contract./ Faktoje.al /
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