 |
In a press release from the EU Delegation to Albania, the EU Ambassador to Tirana, Luigi Soreca, said that this agreement "reflects key EU priorities in Albania: justice reform, war against organized crime and corruption, which are and will remain at the heart of the EU's partnership with Albania. But the environmental protection and water management will also be heavily supported by the new program."
EU on Justice Reform
Justice reform absorbs the biggest share of the IPA Agreement, 2018, about 42 million euros, about 45% of the total 94 million euros, to be used to "strengthen the independence, transparency, accountability and public confidence in the Albanian justice system, in line with European standards.
The funding will also be used to improve the institutional framework and operational efficiency of the judiciary, increase the effectiveness of the criminal justice system and anti-corruption measures.
Rule of law and fundamental rights
The IPA 2018 program will also focus on strengthening the rule of law and respect for fundamental human rights. The aim is to create an effective law enforcement system capable of producing “a credible track record in the fight against organized crime and support the creation of a responsible, independent and efficient judicial system, harmonized with EU legislation,”,said the announcement of the EU Delegation in Tirana.
EU for a cleaner environment
24.1 million euros will go in the support of wastewater treatment and water quality improvement by contributing to economic, social, environmental and territorial development and tourism. Financial support for a cleaner environment will also contribute to progressive alignment with the EU acquis. IPA 2018 will also finance economic development at the local level, prioritizing Albania's tourism and cultural heritage.