In the context of EU accession negotiations, UNOPS has supported the Albanian institutions on their negotiations related to Cluster 5 of the EU acquis. Cluster 5 encompasses policies in five chapters: agriculture and rural development (Chapter 11), food safety, veterinary and phytosanitary policy (Chapter 12), fisheries and aquaculture (Chapter 13), regional policy and coordination of structural instruments (Chapter 22), as well as financial and budgetary provisions (Chapter 33). By aligning with EU standards under this Cluster, Albania is encouraged to enhance its regulatory frameworks.bThe work involved the Chief Negotiator of Albania and the three key stakeholders responsible for Cluster 5: Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Ministry of Finance and the State Agency for Strategic Programming and Aid Coordination.

UNOPS assisted in the alignment with the EU acquis on Cluster 5 with the further development of strategic documents (e.g., NPAA, NPEI, ERA), which are essential for EU accession. In particular, the K4R programme guided Albania through EU negotiations by establishing roadmaps, analysing benchmarks and formulating the negotiating positions. Specifically, the UNOPS adviser coordinated efforts to ensure the smooth implementation of activities across the Cluster’s five chapters, compiled an updated list of Union legislation and conducted a Legal Gap Assessment and an Institutional and Administrative Gap Assessment for Chapter 22.

Finally, UNOPS prepared questions for the explanatory meeting on Chapter 12, contributed to the formulation of presentations for Chapter 11 Agriculture and Rural Development and supported the preparation of responses to European Commission questions.

By enhancing regulatory frameworks and governance in agriculture, food safety, fisheries and financial provisions, the work of UNOPS contributes to improved Albania’s negotiation capacity. It ensures that key stakeholders are well-prepared to address EU requirements and align national policies with European standards, ultimately fostering a more competitive and sustainable governance framework.

The assignment supports SDG 2: Zero Hunger as the alignment with EU standards in agriculture (Chapter 11) and food safety (Chapter 12) supports sustainable agricultural practices, enhances food safety systems, and improves food security through strengthened agricultural policies and food safety systems which help ensure access to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food.

The assignment supports SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth as aligning with EU standards in rural development and fisheries (Chapters 11 and 13) promotes economic diversification and competitiveness in these sectors, thereby facilitating job creation, improving productivity and fostering sustainable economic growth in agriculture, fisheries, and related industries.

Last, it contributes to SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure as the Institutional and Administrative Gap Assessment under Chapter 22 supports the development of robust regional policies and coordination mechanisms for structural instruments, thereby strengthening institutional infrastructure and capacity, enabling efficient use of resources and innovative solutions.