Interreg IPA South Adriatic 2021-2027 is a cross-border cooperation programme co-financed by the European Union through IPA III. It builds on the results of the Interreg IPA Italy-Albania-Montenegro 2014-2020 programme and aims at a smarter, greener, more connected, more social South Adriatic with better governance. Managing Authority: Apulia Region, Italy.

Priorities:

Smarter EU · Greener EU · More Connected EU · More Social EU · Governance

Calls for proposals:

Projects strategjike dhe shkallë të vogël në zbatim nga 2023. Projects standarde nisin gjatë vitit 2025.

National Contact Point: Z. Arvit Osja — arvit.osja@saspac.gov.al

Programme website: southadriatic.eu

Supports cooperation between the two countries by leveraging the cross-border region’s strengths. MA: Ministry of Economy and Finance, Greece.

Priorities:

Greener Europe · More Connected Europe (transport & digital networks) · More Social Europe

Call 1st — Standard (€17M):

17 contracted projects · AL Lead Partner: 1 · AL benefit: €8.36M. Implementation began in 2025.

Strategic call — 4 projects (€8.6M):

National Contact Point: Znj. Eniana Koçiaj — eniana.kociaj@saspac.gov.al

Programme website: greece-albania.eu

Program transnacional që investon në sisteme rajonale inovacioni, trashëgimi kulturore dhe natyrore, qëndrueshmëri mjedisore, transport dhe forcim kapacitetesh. Vepron si nxitës politikash dhe novator në qeverisje, në dobi të mbi 70 milionë banorëve të rajonit Adriatic-Ionian. AM: Rajoni Emilia-Romagna, Itali.

Priorities:

Rajon më i zgjuar · Rajon më i gjelbër & qëndrueshëm ndaj klimës · Rajon neutral ndaj karbonit & më i lidhur · Qeverisja Adriatic-Ioniane

Calls:

National Contact Point: Z. Elidon Dodaj — elidon.dodaj@saspac.gov.al

Programme website: adrioninterreg.eu

Program i Bashkëpunimit Territorial që synon Mediterranean më të mençur dhe më të gjelbër, me qeverisje më të mirë mes palëve. Supports projects on climate change and environment. AM: Rajoni Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, Francë.

Priorities:

Mediterranean më i zgjuar · Mediterranean më i gjelbër · Governance më e mirë Mesdhetare

Calls (5 total):

Programme website: interreg-euro-med.eu

URBACT IV (2021–2027) was approved by the EC on 19 September 2022 and includes Albania for the first time. It strengthens municipalities’ capacities for integrated urban planning and management, decision-making participation, and inclusive urban policies.

Priorities:

Greener cities · Smarter · More inclusive · More connected · Better governed

Albanian municipality beneficiaries:

URBACT National Points: Znj. Alba Ibrahimi — alba.ibrahimi@saspac.gov.al

Programme website: interreg.eu/urbact-iv

Interregional cooperation programme supporting local, regional and national governments to design better policies. In July 2024, 7 candidate countries were officially admitted, including Albania. MA: Hauts-de-France Region.

Priorities:

Evropë më e zgjuar · më e gjelbër · më e lidhur · më Sociale · më afër qytetarëve · Governance më e mirë rajonale

Calls:

Restricted call (€5.7M) for inclusion of partners from 7 new countries in existing projects · 3rd Call (€130M) comprehensive. Projects begin implementation in May 2025.

Programme website: interregeurope.eu

ESPON supports territorial analysis and knowledge production for regional development and territorial cohesion. Albania participates mainly through research and policy-making institutions.

Financial engagement is limited, but the strategic contribution to planning is considerable. Albania continues efforts to formalize its inclusion. In December 2024, a call for territorial research was opened.

Programme website: espon.eu

Enabled exchange of experiences, pilot actions and investments. Total budget: €92,707,558.

Priorities: SME competitiveness · Cultural heritage & tourism · Environmental protection · Cross-border transport

Strengthened cooperation focusing on infrastructure, environment, energy and entrepreneurship. Total budget: €67,414,527.

Priorities: Environment, transport & infrastructure · Local economy

Invested in innovation, heritage, transport and capacities for 10 states. Total budget: €117,918,198.

Priorities: Innovative region · Sustainability · Regional connectivity · EUSAIR governance

Promoted sustainable development in the Mediterranean: innovation, resources and social inclusion. Total budget: €233,678,791.

Priorities: Innovation · Energy efficiency · Culture & tourism

Strengthened regional cooperation by capitalizing on the “South-East Europe 2007-2013” experience. Total budget: €39,727,654.

Priorities: Entrepreneurship & Innovation · Environment