In the context of EU accession negotiations, UNOPS has supported Albania in aligning its financial and budgetary provisions with EU rules. Aligning Albania’s financial and budgetary systems would improve fiscal management, enhance transparency and strengthen administrative capacity to accurately calculate, collect and monitor financial resources fostering greater economic stability and credibility. The K4R programme has supported the Ministry of Finance and Economy (MFE) of Albania, the Office of the Chief Negotiator and other relevant institutions to prepare for the EU screening process for Chapter 33, in the framework of the first meeting on Cluster 5.

UNOPS collaborated with the Ministry of Finance and Economy (MFE) of Albania to formulate strategic questions, responses and coherent presentations to inform the EC authorities on the legal status in Albania in the area of financial and budgetary provisions, including traditional own resources and Value Added Tax (VAT) and Gross National Income resources.

The UNOPS expert performed an assessment and identification of regulatory and administrative gaps in the context of Chapter 33, assisted with a simulation of the bilateral screening exercise and shared relevant insights from EU Member States. The K4R advisor distilled key EU legal acts and formulated an action plan including responses to questions from the screening, review of the technical part of the screening report and future activities for bilateral screenings and the formulation of the negotiation position for Chapter 33. Finally, the K4R programme supported the preparation of a comprehensive draft Law Governing Albania’s financial and budgetary alignment with EU rules as a critical step in Albania’s efforts to meet EU standards.

UNOPS work will lead to improved fiscal management, enhanced transparency and stronger administrative capacity to accurately calculate, collect and monitor financial resources. This is expected to foster greater economic stability and credibility through more efficient and transparent public financial management, higher public trust and satisfaction with government services, as well as good governance and reduced corruption in the public sector.

This assignment supports SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions by supporting the establishment of robust financial and budgetary frameworks aimed to ensure that Albania can effectively manage its contributions to the EU budget and maintain fiscal discipline - ultimately enhancing the efficiency of government expenditures.