Move to hand over management of EU grant funding to Albanian government seen as increase in trust in Albania’s government.
TIRANA, March 31 – In a sign of greater trust for the country’s administration, the European Union has decided to hand over the management of its grant funding to the Albanian government, EU Integration Minister Klajda Gjoshaj and Finance Minister Shkelqim Cani said this week.
EU’s latest decision grants the Albanian government responsibility for procurement procedures for projects that Brussels will fund in Albania. The grant envisions 12 projects with a total value of 64 million euro.
Gjoshaj said the decision showed Brussels supports and trusts the efficiency of Albania’s public administration.
“I also consider this also a clear message for the Albanian government to advance reforms in order to guarantee progress for its citizens,” she said.
The Instrument of Pre-Accession Funds, or IPA, is an EU funding mechanism for candidate and potential candidate for membership countries.
Albania is hoping to become an official candidate in June, following several negative answers to its application.
Cani said managing the IPA funds will mark a new step for Albania’s institutions, and they will need to send clear signals that they can reach the best European standards.
“The decision comes after the government’s work to create an institutional framework for management and control of IPA funds, which satisfy EU criteria,” Cani said.
