TIRANA, Sept 14 /ATA/ – Albania and the European Union on Friday signed the IPA 2018 Financing Agreement with justice reform being at the heart of EU-Albania partnership.
In a press release by the EU Delegation to Albania Ambassador Luigi Soreca is quoted as saying that “the Financing Agreement mirrors key priorities: justice reform and the fight against organised crime and corruption are and will remain at the heart of our partnership with Albania. But environmental protection and water management will also be heavily supported by the new programme.”
The EU for justice reform in Albania
The ongoing justice reform receives the lion share of the IPA 2018 Financing Agreement, an amount of EUR 42 million, or around 45% of the total funding of EUR 94 million.
“The EUR 42 million action aims at strengthening the independence, transparency, efficiency, accountability and public trust in the Albanian justice system in accordance with European standards,” EU Delegation said in its release.
The funding is also designed to bring about improvements in the institutional framework and the operational efficiency of the judicial system, increase efficiency of the criminal justice system and of the anti-corruption measures.
The rule of law and fundamental rights
The IPA 2018 Financing Agreement will focus on the sector of rule of law and fundamental rights.
“The objective is to create an effective and efficient law enforcement system, which is able to produce a credible track-record in fighting organised crime and to support the creation of an accountable, independent and efficient justice system, aligned to EU legislation and best practices,” EU Delegation said.
EU for a cleaner environment
EUR 24.1 million will provide support for wastewater treatment. It aims to enhance water quality and thus it will contribute to economic, social, environmental and territorial development, and will increase tourism attractiveness. The funding for a cleaner environment will support progressive alignment with the Union acquis. The Financing Agreement will also support economic development at local level, with focus on tourism and cultural heritage of Albania
The IPA Financing Agreements between the EU and Albania were initiated for first time in 2007.
/DW/ /a.g/u.sh/
