Tirana, 2 October 2026 – Intesa Sanpaolo Bank Albania, part of the Intesa Sanpaolo Group, renews its support for higher education and young talent in Albania by providing €27,000 in scholarships for three students admitted to the Master of Arts in European Transformation and Integration at the College of Europe in Tirana.

This marks the third consecutive year of the Bank’s scholarship initiative with the College of Europe, reaffirming Intesa Sanpaolo Bank Albania’s commitment to investing in education, developing the skills of a new generation of professionals, and supporting Albania’s path towards closer European integration.

The contribution will finance three partial scholarships, helping three selected students pursue their postgraduate studies at one of Europe’s most renowned institutions for postgraduate education and training in European affairs.

Through this agreement, Intesa Sanpaolo Bank Albania further reinforces its commitment to supporting the development of knowledge, skills and professional capabilities through high-quality academic opportunities in Albania, particularly those offered in cooperation with internationally recognized educational institutions. The initiative also reflects the Bank’s broader commitment to investing in human capital and creating opportunities for young people to contribute to Albania’s long-term social and economic development and its European integration journey.

The agreement was officially signed at the College of Europe in Tirana by João Gomes Cravinho, Rector of the College of Europe, and Giuseppe Giampietro, CEO of Intesa Sanpaolo Bank Albania.

Giuseppe Giampietro, CEO of Intesa Sanpaolo Bank Albania, said:

“For the third consecutive year, we are proud to stand alongside the College of Europe and invest directly in the education and ambitions of talented young people. Supporting education is much more than providing financial assistance; it is an investment in future leadership of the European family. As part of a leading European banking group with a long-term presence in Albania, we believe that the private sector has an important role to play in creating opportunities for young generations to acquire knowledge, broaden their perspectives and contribute to the country’s development. I congratulate the scholarship recipients and wish them every success as they embark on this important academic journey.”

João Gomes Cravinho, Rector of the College of Europe, said:

“Access to excellent education should depend on talent and ambition, not on financial means. We are therefore very grateful to Intesa Sanpaolo Bank Albania for renewing its support for a third consecutive year. These three partial scholarships will help talented students pursue their studies at the College of Europe in Tirana and prepare themselves to contribute to the European future of Albania and the region. This continued commitment is a strong example of how the private sector can support education, opportunity and the development of the next generation of European integration professionals.”

The continued cooperation between Intesa Sanpaolo Bank Albania and the College of Europe reflects a shared commitment to education, excellence and the development of future generations of European professionals. Through this initiative, the Bank contributes to expanding access to high-quality postgraduate education while encouraging talented students to develop the expertise and international outlook needed to contribute to Albania’s institutional, economic and social development.

 

 

 

About Intesa Sanpaolo Bank Albania: 

Intesa Sanpaolo Bank Albania, part of the Intesa Sanpaolo Group, is a leading financial institution committed to delivering innovative banking solutions to corporate, institutional, SMEs, Small Businesses, high-net-worth and individual clients. With a strong focus on sustainable growth, we integrate ESG principles into our operations, fostering responsible banking and community development. Our wealth management services provide tailored financial strategies to preserve and grow client assets while diversifying their investment portfolios. Upholding integrity, transparency, and collaboration, we contribute to Albania’s economic progress through fair competition and strategic partnerships. With a nationwide network of 35 branches, we continue to expand in alignment with the country’s economic development.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/intesa-sanpaolo-bank-albania/

 

About Intesa Sanpaolo:

Intesa Sanpaolo, with €421 billion in loans and more than €1.4 trillion in customer financial assets at the end of September 2025, is the largest banking group in Italy, with a significant international presence.

It is a European leader in wealth management, with a strong focus on digital and fintech. Intesa Sanpaolo has developed a large-scale Artificial Intelligence program, currently involving around 150 use cases and delivering strong benefits for the Group.

By 2025, the Group will provide €115 billion of Impact lending to support communities and the green transition, together with a €1.5 billion program (2023–2027) to help people in need.

The Bank’s network of museums, the Gallerie d’Italia, hosts its owned artistic heritage and cultural projects of recognized value.

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/intesa-sanpaolo

 

About College of Europe:

The College of Europe, established on the initiative of the Hague Congress, dates to 1949. The founding idea was to establish an institution where university graduates from many different European countries could study and live together in preparation for careers related to European cooperation and integration.

The College of Europe is a post-graduate institute of European studies with its first campus opened in Bruges, Belgium, a second campus located in Warsaw, Poland, and a third one established in Tirana, Albania.

Every year, hundreds of students from all over Europe and beyond benefit from a truly multicultural learning experience before embarking on inspiring international careers. They contribute to a rich and diverse academic environment. The institution is known for its high academic standards and role in preparing future leaders and European and international affairs experts.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/collegeofeuropebruges/