The annual Monitoring Committee for the EU funds under the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA) convened in Tirana, featuring key representatives from the Albanian government, the European Union, civil society, EU member states, and the diplomatic community. The meeting assessed the progress in programming IPA funds and the execution of around 150 ongoing IPA-funded projects, which aid institutional reforms linked to Albania’s EU membership process and provide tangible benefits to citizens.
The committee was co-chaired by Eridana Çano, the National Coordinator of IPA and General Director of the State Agency for Strategic Programming and Coordination of Aid (SASPAC) in Albania, alongside Sigrid Brettel, the director of the Unit within the Directorate-General for Enlargement and Eastern Neighbourhood of the European Commission (DG ENEST). They acknowledged the positive outcomes achieved thus far while addressing ongoing implementation challenges.
Valentina Superti, the director overseeing the Western Balkans at DG ENEST, opened the meeting via internet connection, expressing gratitude to the Albanian authorities for their collaboration and congratulating them on their progress:
“The EU continues to be the largest donor in Albania, providing over 1.9 billion euros in financial assistance through pre-accession grants since 2007. Furthermore, EU-supported grants and loans have spurred overall investments estimated at 4.7 billion euros since 2008. In 2024, 197 million euros in IPA funds are allocated to support Albania in areas such as anti-corruption, local governance, food security, environment, energy, economy, digital society, employment, and social inclusion. I urge the authorities to manage EU funds efficiently for maximum impact, enhance structures and resources for independent fund management, and build capacities to prepare for membership,” stated Superti.
Eridana Çano, the National Coordinator of IPA in Albania, highlighted the political importance of the current moment, indicating that Albania is now closer to the EU than ever:
This June, Albania ratified three EU Operational Programs, allowing Albanian institutions to manage funds independently through the indirect management modality.
These programs entail a joint investment of 186 million euros, with 30% co-financed by the Albanian government to support youth employment, the digitalization of public services, and the transition to green energy, as well as to prepare Albanian institutions for managing EU funds post-membership.
Despite Albania’s participation in 13 EU programs – including Erasmus+, Horizon Europe, and Creative Europe – significant capacity gaps remain.
A critical priority identified by the Committee is enhancing communication by Albanian authorities regarding the impact of EU assistance, both through IPA and the EU Growth Plan.
The next Monitoring Committee under the Instrument for Reform and Growth, scheduled for September in Tirana, will provide a vital platform to communicate progress and engage a diverse range of stakeholders. (June 26)
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