The meeting, hosted at the invitation of Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and European Commissioner for Environment Jessika Roswall, brought together representatives from across the Euro-Mediterranean region to discuss droughts, floods and pollution.

“Faced with climate change, floods and droughts, we need stronger institutions, investment and closer cooperation among Mediterranean countries,” Jaupaj said.

He said Albania supported the Ministerial Declaration on Water and the Rome Initiative as concrete environmental commitments for the region.

“Albania is ready to work with the Union for the Mediterranean, the European Union and regional partners to turn these commitments into concrete results,” Jaupaj said.

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To help Albania protect the status and quality of its water bodies, the EU4Rivers project was launched during the Forum on Water Resources Integrated Management in Tirana on Friday.

The Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku, also Minister of Infrastructure and Energy, also attended the Forum.

“EU4Rivers project represents a significant opportunity for Albania to manage and restore clean water and achieve its long-term sustainable use. In addition, we help Albania align its laws and policies with the EU water regulations, this accelerating the accession process – a double gain for Albania,” EU Ambassador Silvio Gonzato said in his remarks at the Forum.

On her part, Deputy PM Balluku emphasized the crucial role of water management in Albania’s path towards EU accession.

“The EU4Rivers program comes at a crucial juncture, offering invaluable support as Albania aligns its legislation with European standards,” Balluku said.

Clean water has long been a priority in EU assistance to Albania, reflecting the bloc’s commitment to supporting sustainable development initiatives. Balluku highlighted the challenges ahead, the EU standards implementation in particular, and reiterated Albanian government’s unwavering commitment to the process.

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The three-day conference jointly hosted by Water Supply and Sewerage Association of Albania (SHUKALB) and Water and Wastewater Works Association of Kosovo (SHUKOS) provided a platform to discuss vital issues, exchange information, and share experiences, all aimed at furthering the development of the water supply and wastewater sector in the region.

The theme of this year’s conference, “Accelerating Change: Towards Safe, Reliable, and Sustainable Services” took inspiration from World Water Day 2023 and the UN Water Conference It aims to drive momentum toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6), ensuring universal access to clean water and sanitation.

The Conference was accompanied with an exhibition on equipment, technology and services in the sector with participation from a broad array of private sector companies who are active in the water sector in the Western Balkans region.

The conference highlight was the launching of the Utility of the Future Center of Excellence (UoF-CoE), atransformative initiative of the World Bank and Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO).

This regional initiative with a global outreach, will serve as a dedicated hub for knowledge, innovation, and collaboration in the sector.The UoF-CoE is designed to bring together young professionals, utility providers, government bodies, and experts from diverse fields.

This conference and the launch of the Utility of the Future – Center of Excellence are set to be milestone events in the water sector, furthering the cause of safe and sustainable water services in the Western Balkans and beyond.

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