The EU4FoodSafety project, unveiled in Tirana on World Food Safety Dayon Monday, will be implemented in cooperation with German development agency GIZ and Albanian institutions responsible for food safety oversight.

Speaking at the launch, Agriculture Minister Andi Salla said the initiative would support reforms aimed at modernising Albania’s food safety system and bringing it closer to EU standards.

“Food safety is a fundamental pillar of public health, consumer protection and the sustainable development of the agri-food sector,” Salla said.

He said Albania was working to strengthen institutional capacities, improve inspection and control systems, raise standards for food business operators and align legislation with the EU acquis as part of its accession process.

EU Ambassador to Albania Silvio Gonzato said the project, financed with 12.5 million euros from the European Union and an additional 1 million euros from the German government, would help upgrade food safety controls across the supply chain.

“Food safety is not simply a technical procedure; it is a fundamental public right,” Gonzato said.

The programme will support the development of laboratories, inspection services and veterinary capacities, with the aim of introducing EU standards throughout the food chain, from production to consumption, he added.

Officials said the project is expected to improve consumer protection while helping Albanian agri-food businesses enhance product quality and competitiveness in European markets.

Albania is seeking to advance EU accession negotiations, with reforms in food safety and veterinary standards forming part of the requirements under several negotiating chapters.

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