Union Programmes

✦
EUROPEAN INTEGRATION
Union Programmes
EU Funding Programmes · 2021 – 2027
Integrated measures promoted by the EU to strengthen cooperation between Member States and partner countries — key instruments preparing Albania for full membership.

13
Union Programmes
2021–27
Current cycle
2004
Framework Agreement
7
Years per cycle

Concept

What are Union Programmes

Union Programmes are a series of integrated measures promoted by the EU, aimed at strengthening cooperation between Member States and partner countries on EU policies for a defined period of time.

Union Programmes are financed by the EU’s general budget and cover a wide range of fields: from environmental protection, research and innovation, energy and transport, to enterprise development and competitiveness.

They represent essential instruments for shaping and implementing the EU’s internal policies.

Context

Albania’s Participation

The participation of IPA beneficiaries in Union Programmes aims to prepare them for full membership by ensuring closer integration with the EU. It enables citizens, institutions, civil society and the private sector to engage with and benefit from various EU policies.

Key fields include: research, competitiveness and innovation, media, education, health, youth, culture, environment, customs policy, the fight against poverty and youth unemployment.

Legal basis for participation

Albania participates in Union Programmes based on the provisions of the Framework Agreement signed on 22 November 2004 between the Republic of Albania and the European Community.

The Agreement was ratified by Law No. 9404, dated 19.5.2005, “On the ratification of the Framework Agreement between the Republic of Albania and the European Community on the general principles for Albania’s participation in Union Programmes”. For participation in a specific programme, a dedicated agreement is also signed.

Who can benefit

Citizens, central and local public institutions, civil society, universities, research centres, and the private sector — all can benefit from EU policies under the specific conditions set by each programme.

Management

Institutional Framework

For the management and coordination of Union Programmes, Albania’s institutional framework is built on a clear structure with responsibilities shared between the National IPA Coordinator and the National Contact Points.

NIPAC
National IPA Coordinator

The National IPA Coordinator is responsible for the overall coordination, monitoring and reporting on Albania’s participation in Union Programmes.

NCP
National Contact Points (NCPs)

National Contact Points and the units established within the relevant ministries to coordinate the IPA beneficiary’s participation in specific EU programmes are the key structures responsible for informing society as a whole and the relevant stakeholders about the opportunities offered by Union Programmes.

The contact points and units support potential applicants and participants in the preparation, implementation and reporting of projects, monitor and report on supported activities, and analyse participation in Union Programmes by providing recommendations to the NIPAC.

Legal framework

Reference Documents

The legal basis governing Albania’s participation in Union Programmes.

Framework Agreement

• Framework Agreement (22 November 2004) — Between the Republic of Albania and the European Community, on the general principles for Albania’s participation in Union Programmes.

• Law No. 9404, dated 19.5.2005 — On the ratification of the Framework Agreement.

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