Albania’s environmental legislation closer to EU

TIRANA, June 16 – Albania’s environmental legislation and management are now one step closer to that of the European Union. This was the main message of the closing conference organised by the EU-funded project on the Strengthening of Environment Law Enforcement in Albanian (SELEA).
“Work on environmental standards is part of Albania’s obligations under the Stabilisation and Association Agreement. It is part of the EU integration process of this country”, Charg顤’Affaires a.i. of the EU Delegation in Albania Clive Rumbold said.
“Over the past three years, through this project alone, the EU has improved Albania’s legal framework, institutional capacities, and equipment in the environmental sector”, Rumbold added mentioning the new laws drafted on different aspects of the environment such as air quality, waste, biodiversity and environmental crime.
The project has contributed to the transposition of EU environmental laws into Albania’s context and the strengthening of environmental institutions. During the course of the project, 360 environmental inspectors have been trained, certified and equipped with new skills. In terms of legislation, 4 draft laws were prepared, 19 Government decisions drafted and adopted, 7 regional waste management plans developed, and 10 protected area management plans completed. The National Environmental Agency – the main institution responsible for monitoring and reporting on environment – is now restructured and has new laboratory equipment.
With a budget of EUR 3.75 million and a contribution of EUR 400,000 from the Albanian Government, the SELEA project was funded under the EU Instrument for Pre-Accession (IPA) and operated between 2012-2014.