TIRANA (Albania), December 7 (SeeNews) – The European Commission has adopted a 94 million euro ($106.8 million) programme to support the European integration process in Albania, the EU delegation to the country said.
“The programme focuses on core issues for EU accession, such as the rule of law, economic development and environmental protection,” the EU delegation said in a press release on Thursday.
The funding will focus on strengthening the rule of law and fighting corruption by continuing the EU support to the implementation of the justice reform. The programme will also help to Albania improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the law enforcement authorities in fighting organised crime and drug trafficking.
“The EU funds will also contribute to the preservation of the cultural heritage and the promotion of high quality and sustainable tourism,” the statement reads.
Environmental protection, and particularly wastewater treatment, is a priority of the EU assistance. Enhanced water quality and better sanitary conditions will in turn also contribute to economic and social development for the benefit of Albanian citizens.
The EU will continue to support Albania’s participation in EU programmes such as Erasmus+.
The EU's enlargement commissioner Johannes Hahn announced in July the official launch of the EU screening process with Albania as the first step toward the process of accession negotiations.
Albania has been an official candidate for joining the EU since June 2014.
($ = 0.88034 euro)