7.2 Million Euros for Albania, EU Launches Support Program to Accelerate the Integration Process
The EU in Albania has officially launched the EU Integration Support (EUIS) project, an initiative worth 7.2 million euros, aimed at assisting the Albanian government in advancing its negotiations for EU membership.
This project aligns with Albania’s ambitious objective, outlined in the National Plan for European Integration, to complete membership negotiations by 2027, according to the EU Delegation’s announcement.
The comprehensive program will also support Albania in accelerating its EU integration, which includes assisting the country in taking advantage of all available pre-accession opportunities, such as participation in EU programs and structures. Strategic training programs will be developed to strengthen the capacities of the public administration, not only to successfully advance the membership process but also to ensure that Albanian institutions are fully prepared to take on the responsibilities of EU membership. Furthermore, the government will benefit from dedicated expertise to implement the Growth Plan and the relevant Reform Agenda that it has approved.
On this occasion, EU Ambassador Silvio Gonzato reaffirmed the EU’s strong commitment to Albania’s integration.
“The EU’s perspective for Albania has never been more real. After the opening of two negotiation clusters with the EU last year, and with the country aiming to open all clusters by the end of this year, the work on reforms must be accelerated significantly. The EU is ready to support Albania’s ambitious plans, including this dedicated project. Together with our member states, we will do everything we can to help Albania not only finalize the membership process but also prepare for the responsibilities and benefits of EU membership,” said Gonzato.
Meanwhile, the Minister of State and Chief Negotiator, Majlinda Dhuka, expressed, “Albania has made significant strides on its path to EU integration. Since being granted candidate status in 2014, Albania has worked tirelessly to harmonize its policies, institutions, and practices with EU standards. Today, Albania is on a clear path toward full EU membership, aiming to complete all major reforms by 2027 and join the European Union within this decade. As we move forward, we value the EU’s support at this crucial moment in the process. Together, we can ensure that Albania not only meets the necessary standards but also accelerates its progress toward EU membership.”
Support for Public Awareness and Communication about the EU
Recent public opinion surveys commissioned by the EU Delegation in Albania show that 97% of Albanian citizens support the country’s EU membership. However, these surveys also highlight limited public awareness about the accession process and specific EU-funded projects currently being implemented in Albania.
To address this, the EU in Albania and the Albanian government, through the EUIS project, will strengthen communication and transparency between the government and non-state actors, including civil society, academia, businesses, youth, and citizens. Joint efforts will aim to explain the negotiation process and the impact of EU membership.
A key focus will also be on raising awareness about the Growth Plan, which could bring nearly 1 billion euros in grants and infrastructure investments to Albania. This plan is designed to reduce the socio-economic gap between Albania and EU member states, promoting modernization and digitalization, strengthening Albania’s economy and rule of law, and enhancing its competitiveness. These efforts aim to prepare Albania for full integration into regional and European common markets, creating more jobs and offering better educational and training opportunities for citizens.
This initiative builds on the success of previous EU support programs, which played a critical role in concluding Albania’s screening process and opening negotiations.
