TIRANA, May 21 /ATA/ -By A. Fortuzi/- Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs organized on Tuesday the meeting of Committee Albania-EU on monitoring of EU’s financial assistance.
In attendance of the meeting were representatives of Albanian govt., European Commission and EU Delegation as well as representatives of civil society in Albania and member countries of EU as third parties.
Sokol Dedja, Deputy Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, told a news briefing that the meeting was important to identify the ways of using EU funds effectively in order to improve the life of citizens.
“We are identifying ways to use EU funds effectively to have a positive impact on the lives of Albanian citizens. Our will is to make the best use of these EU funds to better implement the reforms launched,” Dejda said.
“Reforms are not easy. They consist in strengthening the rule of law, as justice reform is, or other legislative reforms that align Albanian legislation with that the European Union acquis. We should focus on approach to European standards as far as food safety is concerned, “Dedja said.
“The process of reforms is not easy therefore we need to have the political and financial support of EU. The preparatory work for opening of accession negotiations is very important. Support through funding and technical assistance plays an essential role in this direction,” Dedja said.
“EU has disbursed for the period 2014-2020 EUR 650 mln in funding for our country. The priority areas are rule of law, respect for human rights, strengthening of democracy, environmental protection, energy, transport, competition and information technology where our country has made progress however has a long way to go to achieve the target,” Dedja said.
Speaking about the technical roundtable on IPA funds, Kuko said that European Union has given positive signals in support of our country adding support funds.
Today’s IPA meeting, a supportive instrument before EU accession brings good news and positive signals that support has increased in crucial areas during our pathway to the EU. The IPA 2019-2020 program has a dedicated focus on judicial reform. One of the most substantial reforms Albania has carried out,” Deputy Minister Kuko told ATA.
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