Tirana, Jan. 5, 2008 – The European Commission adopted the National Programme for Albania under the IPA-Transition Assistance and Institution Building component in 2008, which will provide financing for a maximum amount of 60,917,000 to support the country to make progress in key reform areas, EC said in a press release.
The programme consists of 24 projects to support Albania’s political and economical reform process as well as the country’s alignment with EU standards.
Projects in the political field include the strengthening of Albania’s administrative capacity, the construction of improved penitentiary and pre-trial detention facilities, the modernization of customs procedures, and the fight against corruption. In the economic field, the programme supports the vocational education and training system, the improvement of secondary and local roads, and the promotion of the border region Kukes.
In addition, financing is foreseen for the support of Albania’s maritime sector, for improving public protection against zoonotic diseases, for a reinforced national metrology system, an improved environmental monitoring system, and for a project aiming at improving highway routes in Albania. Last but not least, the programme finances Albania’s participation in Community Programmes.
The European Community contribution under IPA represents 90.6% of the total budget (ca. 67.2 million) allocated to this programme. Other donors and Albania itself will provide co-financing for 9 out of 24 projects.
