In the context of EU accession screening, UNOPS supported Albania to present its legislation on food safety, veterinary and phytosanitary policy to ensure that it identifies the full scope of EU legislation that needs to be aligned. Alignment will ensure that food products are safe for consumers, animal health is protected and plant health is maintained, thereby granting access to the EU market and boosting Albania’s agricultural exports and driving economic growth. The goal was to support Albania’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), the Office of the Chief Negotiator and other relevant institutions in preparing for the EU screening for Chapter 12. The Montenegrin experience was utilized in this regard.

UNOPS collaborated with the MARD to craft numerous strategic questions, responses and 29 presentations on Albania’s legal status in the field of food safety, veterinary and phytosanitary policy in order to report to the EC authorities. A comprehensive review, followed by a screening simulation, refined Albania’s materials taking advantage of the experience from the respective screening in Montenegro. Next, K4R experts distilled key EU legal acts into an actionable summary towards which the Albanian authorities can go back in order to define their future actions to align their legal framework with the EU acquis in the area.

To follow up, UNOPS advisers created a future needs assessment document on Chapter 12, outlining essential strategies to address existing gaps and anticipate needs for compliance.

This assignment resulted in improved alignment with EU standards in the area of food safety, veterinary and phytosanitary policy, indirectly contributing to public health and environmental protection. It is expected to boost Albania’s agricultural exports, particularly to the EU, and drive economic growth, while making its agricultural sector more competitive and attracting foreign investment – all of which are essential aspects of sustainable development.

Under SDG 2: Zero Hunger, the assignment promotes the alignment of Albania’s food production systems with EU standards, ensuring that agricultural practices are both safe and sustainable, thereby contributing to the availability of safe and nutritious food for all.

In relation to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, the assignment helps reduce health risks associated with foodborne diseases and unsafe food handling practices by ensuring that Albania adheres to stringent food safety regulations.

The assignment supports SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production by fostering more efficient and sustainable food consumption practices that reduce food waste and promote environmental stewardship.

Lastly, under SDG 15: Life on Land, the assignment’s focus on phytosanitary measures and veterinary controls helps protect plant health and biodiversity, which is essential for maintaining resilient ecosystems, preserving natural habitats and ensuring the sustainability of agricultural practices.