TIRANA, May 25 /ATA/ Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Andis Salla stated today that Albania has met all legal obligations and procedural requirements within the framework of the IPARD III programme and is now awaiting a decision from the European Commission on continuity of its implementation.

At a press conference, Salla emphasised that the Albanian institutions have completed the required documentation and followed all procedures in cooperation with European partners.

“We have fulfilled all the necessary obligations and completed all legal procedures incumbent upon us, in cooperation with Brussels and the Ministry of Finance, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Agency for Agricultural and Rural Development. All required documentation has been submitted, and it now remains for the Commission to assess the matter and determine the next step. This is the final stage we have completed, and we are awaiting their response in order to proceed with the subsequent legal procedures,” Salla stated.

He assessed that IPARD III represents a significant financing opportunity for Albanian farmers, with a €146 million fund aimed at encouraging investment in European standards, enhancing food safety, and modernising the agricultural sector.

According to the minister, the programme is designed so as not to overlap with the National Support Scheme, but rather to provide additional opportunities for farmers in line with their investment needs.

“We have done this in order to provide access to all farmers, whether through the national scheme or through IPARD III,” Salla said.

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Salla emphasized that Germany remains a steadfast partner in the development of Albanian agriculture, and the meeting reaffirmed the commitment to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in the fields of agriculture and rural development.

“We discussed the concrete results achieved through joint projects on the ground, as well as new initiatives aimed at modernizing the agricultural sector, enhancing institutional capacities, and advancing Albania’s European integration process,” the minister said.

Salla also praised the long-term support of the German government, particularly through GIZ, in key areas such as food security, agricultural innovation, and institutional strengthening.

He emphasized that this partnership remains essential for achieving Albania’s objectives within the framework of the “Albania 2030” agenda.

Agriculture is a key sector for the Albanian economy, not only for employment and domestic production but also for sustainable rural development.

In partnership with the relevant institutions, the continued support of the German government, delivered through GIZ-led projects, has played a key role in upgrading agricultural infrastructure, strengthening farmers’ skills, ensuring food quality, and fostering innovation in the sector.

Today, this collaboration has yielded tangible results on the ground, strengthening Albanian institutions and preparing the sector to face the challenges of European integration.
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