Albania
Along with other Western Balkans countries, Albania was identified as a potential candidate for EU membership during the Thessaloniki European Council summit in June 2003. In June 2014, Albania was awarded candidate status by the EU.
Our technical expertise is delivered through targeted horizontal and chapter-specific support, in accordance with the priorities outlined by the beneficiary and the EU framework.
Presently, the program extends horizontal support for Cluster 5 (Resources, agriculture and cohesion) and Cluster 3 (Competitiveness and inclusive growth).
We assist the government during the screening phase and accession negotiation process. A Cluster facilitator and team of chapter-experts ensure comprehensive guidance and technical support, when needed.
Assisting Albania in its EU Accession Journey and Rural Development Progress
Throughout the summer of 2023, our programme supported the Government of Albania in reviewing the country’s Agriculture Policy to ensure its compliance and alignment with EU requirements. We provided a comprehensive roadmap due to address the identified gaps and enhance the effectiveness of agricultural institutions in Albania. Our analysis identified the essential institutional and administrative capacities that Albania must establish to successfully implement the EU Common Agriculture Policy. It serves as a key step in preparing Albania for the EU accession process, with a view to opening the following Chapters:
- Chapter 11 Agriculture and Rural Development
- Chapter 12 Food safety, veterinary and phytosanitary affairs
- Chapter 13 Fisheries
Furthermore, our analysis also identified opportunities for further aligning the Albanian legal framework on rural development to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). From advancing gender equality (SDG 5) to fostering sustainable consumption (SDG 12), and sustainable use of the oceans, seas and marine resources (SDG 14), our work resonates with global sustainability aspirations.
This undertaking will contribute to the creation of the National Action Plan required for the transposition, implementation and enforcement of the EU acquis in agriculture and rural development.