European Commission and Albania review EU funding in 2021
The European Commission and the Government of Albania held the annual meeting of the Monitoring Committee for the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA), on 31st January 2022. The meeting was chaired by Mr. Ilir Beqaj, National IPA Coordinator, for the Albanian side and by Ms. Michela Matuella, Acting Director, Western Balkans, for the European Commission.
Overall progress in the ongoing EU programmes was reviewed, including post-earthquake reconstruction and COVID-19 support. The EU4Schools programme delivered 19 schools damaged by the 2019 earthquake, which were rebuilt according to EU standards, benefitting 6,000 students. Through EU COVID-19 support, in 2021, Albania has received almost 500,000 vaccine doses, together with equipment for the administration of the vaccines. In other priority areas, good progress was registered in the implementation of the justice reform, including the vetting process, and in supporting the specialised structures against corruption and organised crime. In the social policy areas, results were achieved in the modernisation of the employment services; efforts need to continue to support the most vulnerable groups.
The participation of Albania in the Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans and the preparations for the programming of future funds were also discussed. Areas requiring more focus were raised, including the need to pursue the public administration reform and ensure the effectiveness of the newly established structures for the coordination of the financial assistance.