In light of recent legal reforms and the establishment of the Centralized Purchasing Operator (CPO), UNOPS has supported Albania to ensure that its public procurement system aligns with EU rules, which mandate transparency and equal treatment for all companies. The support aims to enhance Albania’s legal framework on public procurement, ensure compliance with the EU legal framework and strengthen administrative capacity for effective procurement. It supports Albania’s progress under Chapter 5 of the EU acquis, which is crucial for EU accession, as part of the Fundamentals Cluster.

The work of UNOPS experts was kick-started with an analysis of the operational status of the Centralized Purchasing Operator and an identification of best practices from similar EU bodies. UNOPS advisors, then, assessed gaps between the current national legislation and EU requirements and reviewed the sector-specific procurement requirements for standardization. Finally, the K4R programme advised on the new digital platform for CPO communication and drafted an Action Plan, including best practices, legislative changes and standardization actions aimed to improve procurement processes and support Albania’s efforts to align with the EU acquis.

Overall, the K4R experts efficiently engaged the CPO administration and staff from various directorates along the process.

The work of UNOPS has enhanced the capacity of the Centralized Purchasing Operator (CPO), streamlined processes and ensured EU compliance, leading to more transparent and competitive procurement. This will, in turn, result in equal treatment of companies, better-managed resources, increased trust and more cost-effective services. Finally, the focus on enhancing the legal framework and building the administrative capacity of the CPO will contribute directly to the effectiveness and integrity of public institutions.

This assignment supports SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions by aligning Albania’s public procurement practices with EU standards, thereby advancing the development of transparent, effective and accountable institutions.