1.2 Million Euros in Grants for Civil Society and Vulnerable Groups in Albania

The European Union and UNDP in Albania have unveiled 12 initiatives carried out by civil society organizations aimed at enhancing employment services and skills development for vulnerable populations across 19 municipalities in Albania.

Supported by the EU project for Labor Market Inclusion (EU4LMI), these grants focus on boosting employment and skills for groups such as individuals not engaged in employment, education, or training (NEET), young mothers, Roma and Egyptian communities, people with disabilities, and those receiving economic assistance.

The event took place at the Vocational Technical School in Korça, located in southeastern Albania, highlighting a collective dedication to fostering inclusive economic growth and ensuring equitable access to decent work for all citizens of Albania.

Notable attendees included the European Union Ambassador to Albania, Silvio Gonzato, UNDP Resident Representative Randi Davis, and Korça’s mayor, Sotiraq Filo.

“With these EU-funded grants, we are transforming policy into reality, creating genuine opportunities for those at risk of exclusion to acquire skills, secure employment, and improve their lives. This initiative is part of a larger EU support program amounting to 70 million euros for social inclusion in Albania, assisting the Government in advancing social sector reforms and aligning with EU membership criteria, particularly in Chapter 19 concerning social policy and employment. EU integration is not merely about legislative alignment; it also involves fostering a fairer and more inclusive society where no one is overlooked,” stated EU Ambassador Silvio Gonzato.

Randi Davis, UNDP Resident Representative in Albania, expressed pride in the collaboration with the European Union for this strategic initiative, emphasizing that these projects will empower vulnerable groups by enhancing their access to the labor market.

The 1.2 million euro grant scheme, coordinated with Albania’s National Employment and Skills Agency (AKPA), will offer tailored services over the next 16 months, concentrating on three main areas: Intensive Employment Counseling, Basic Skills Training, and Supported Employment and Skills Development for Persons with Disabilities.

EU4LMI, which is funded by the EU and executed by UNDP in collaboration with the Swedish Public Employment Service and the Albanian Foundation for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, promotes inclusive economic progress through partnerships with AKPA, governmental ministries, social services, local municipalities, and NGOs.