Greece-Albania cross-border c-operation for 2007-2013 is 10.2 mln Euros

TIRANA, April – The ‘Greece-Albania IPA Cross-border Programme 2007-2013’, receiving Community assistance from the cross-border co-operation component of the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA) is 10.2 million Euros.
On 5 September 2008 the European Commission approved a Cross-border Co-operation Programme between Greece and Albania for the period 2007-2013, which is adopted under and co-financed by the cross-border co-operation component of the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA). The Programme involves Community support for eight Greek and Albanian regions that lie along their common border: the Greek regions of Kerkyra, Thesprotia, Ioannina, Kastoria and Florina and Albanian regions Vlor묠Gjirokast철and Kor諮 The Greek region of Greneva may take part in projects as an adjacent area, i.e. receiving a maximum 20% of the funding allocated to the programme.
The total budget of the Programme for the period 2007-2009 is approximately 10.2 million euro, with Community assistance amounting to some 8.2 million euro. Community assistance is supplemented by about 2 million Euros of national funding from the two participating countries.
The overall strategic goal of this Programme is to increase the standard of living of the population by promoting sustainable local development in the cross-border area. It will mainly address sustainability in its economic, social and environmental components.
The Cross-border Co-operation Programme is expected to result in an increased standard of living among the population through sustainable local development in the cross-border area. This will be achieved by following two strategic priorities. The first should see enhanced co-operation among economic actors and stakeholders using common approaches, resulting in support for local economic activities and the development of local human resources reflecting the needs of the area. The second strategic priority should result in the environmental and cultural potential of the eligible border area being protected and promoted as a means for sustainable local development.
The IPA Cross-border Programme is structured along the following priorities:
Priority 1: Enhancement of Cross-border Economic Development [approximately 45% of total funding]
This priority aims to promote sustainable economic development through common interventions, in addition to facilitating cross-border relations. The priority will be implemented through four measures: promotion of entrepreneurship, development of tourism, promotion of people-to-people actions, and improvement of border accessibility.
Priority 2: Promotion and Development of the Environment and Natural and Cultural Resources [approximately 45% of total funding]
The aim under this priority is to promote common actions for protecting the environment, improving the natural and cultural heritage and facilitating sustainable development, all the while safeguarding the natural and cultural heritage from the impacts of economic development.
Priority 3: Technical Assistance [approximately 10% of total funding]
The objective is to carry out specific actions to ensure successful implementation of the Programme.