Interreg Europe is the EU’s and most extensive interregional cooperation programme, with a total budget of €394.5 million dedicated to helping national, regional, and local authorities design better public policies through shared experience, peer learning, and improved governance. Albania’s Presidency is significant not only because it marks the programme’s first leadership by a non-EU country, but also because it underscores Albania’s readiness to contribute meaningfully to European policymaking at the strategic level.

The programme focuses on six key areas that reflect Europe’s long-term development priorities: supporting a smarter, more competitive economy; advancing the green transition and climate resilience; improving mobility and connectivity; promoting social inclusion and equal opportunities; strengthening place-based local development; and enhancing governance and cooperation among institutions. Albanian institutions actively contribute to all six fields, demonstrating the country’s commitment to aligning national policies with European priorities.

Since joining Interreg Europe in 2024, Albania has rapidly increased its involvement. To date, 32 projects include Albanian partners, and 19 public institutions—ranging from ministries and municipalities to development agencies—are implementing activities. Implementation continues to progress steadily, with the execution rate expected to reach around 15% by the end of January. Through this participation, Albania gains access to European expertise, strengthens the capacity of its public administration, and deepens its preparation for future management of EU structural funds.

Reflecting on Albania’s leadership role, Eridana Çano, General Director of SASPAC, stated:

“Taking on the Presidency of the Interreg Europe Monitoring Committee is a landmark achievement for Albania and a clear demonstration of our growing role within European cooperation frameworks. We are committed to ensuring strong governance, supporting our beneficiaries, and contributing to a programme that drives innovation, sustainability, and better policymaking across Europe.”

The upcoming Monitoring Committee meeting in Tirana offers a significant opportunity to assess progress, foster knowledge exchange, and further strengthen cooperation across the 36 participating countries—affirming Albania’s position as an active and trusted partner in Europe’s regional development landscape.

The selected projects were chosen from a pool of 198 proposals, and involve 220 partner institutions across multiple sectors. Beneficiaries include universities, research centers, training institutions, chambers of commerce, and both local and central government bodies.

Eridana Cano, head of Albania’s State Agency for Strategic Programming and Aid Coordination (SASPAK), emphasized that the initiatives will further strengthen regional cooperation in line with EU standards.

“We are here to reaffirm a shared vision for the Adriatic region – a space of cooperation where challenges are tackled collectively, where trust and partnership form the foundation of every project, and where no citizen is left behind,” Cano said.

Gilles Kittel, a representative of the European Commission, noted that the projects would support the EU integration pathways of Albania and Montenegro.

“These initiatives serve as tools to enhance the administrative capacities of Albania and Montenegro as part of the pre-accession process. They also help build managerial and technical competencies, while improving communication strategies and delivering tangible benefits for citizens and businesses alike,” Kittel stated.

The projects cover four strategic areas: 10 projects focused on competitiveness and innovation, 16 projects targeting environmental sustainability, 6 projects aimed at mobility and connectivity, 11 projects promoting social inclusion.

This trilateral cooperation marks a renewed commitment to building a greener and more innovative Adriatic region, aiming to strengthen ties, improve quality of life, and foster sustainable development across all three countries.

/j.p/u.sh/