At the premises of the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, is signed the Financing Agreement between the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Albania and the European Union, in regards to the annual action programmme for Albania, year 2018, under the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA II). 

The signature ceremony was co-chaired by the Deputy Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Mr. Sokol Dedja, in the role of National IPA Coordinator, and European Union Ambassador in Tirana, H.E. Mr. Luigi Soreca, with the participation of representatives from central institutions, benefiting from the funds of this Programme.  

The annual action programmme for Albania for the year 2018 will support the sector of Democracy and Good Governance, Rule of Law and Fundamental Rights, Environment sector, and Competitiveness sector, with a total amount of EU contribution of EUR 94.1 million.

 The annual action programmme for Albania for the year 2018, inter alia aims at supporting the reform of justice sector, with the amount of EUR 42 million, while EUR 19 million will support strengthening the rule of law and the fight against organized crime and drugs.

 Also, EUR 24.1 million will be allocated for improving the water treatment system, which is very important to keep our coasts and tourist areas clean.

 EUR 6 million will promote tourism development, addressing our country’s cultural heritage.

In our European path, European Union financial support has been a very important asset in implementing national reforms. In addition, benefiting from IPA funds will help our country to meet the obligations arising from the EU integration process, as well as is considered as a driving factor in assisting the preparation of central institutions for future accession negotiations.