Meeting EU cohesion policy and IPA requirements in Albania

On 12 September 2012, EMA supported by Pontis foundation hosted the forum “Towards EU cohesion policy and the fulfillment of the EU requirements for the Instrument of Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA)“. By taking into consideration the lack of proper cohesion policy in Albania and the early stage of its preparation in the context of EU accession, EMA through this initiative aimed to stimulate a constructive debate on the functioning of multi-level and multi-actor type of governance, as determinant for the success of structural and cohesion policies in the case of the Central European new member-states.

In the welcoming speech, Mr. Gledis Gjipali, EMA’s Executive Director, underlined the importance of IPA Component III on Regional Development in Albania takes, after the country receives candidate status. This component together with two other IPA components will open the path for the acquisition of further possible EU funds. The main beneficiaries of IPA Component III include direct stakeholders, such as: businesses, civil society, and the community at large. Therefore, notwithstanding that the use of such funds will contribute to the development of the economy, it will increase public interest in the integration process, since that they will have direct benefits.

Mr. Dorian Jano presented for the audience the study which analyzes regional development policy in Albania with regards to the possible formalization and diffusion of the partnership principle through providing recommendations of lessons learnt and best practices from previous candidate countries. During his presentation, Mr. Dorian Jano placed particular emphasis on the importance of multi-level governance, as a mean to fasten regional development and increase the opportunities for ensuring and using EU funds. The presentation of different already adapted models by the EU Member States of enhancing regional development, as well as the question on which is the appropriate model for Albania —were given special interest and sparked public’s interest for the further discussion. Existing administrative capacities in place tend to be weak, and hence the implementation of an open model, where the number of stakeholders in benefiting from the funds is higher, would not only ensure competitiveness but also be more advantageous to a model where the states is the sole institution of planning, managing and executing these funds.

In the end, the event was followed up by a discussion session, during which the panel and the audience further elaborated on the appropriate model for Albania, as well as its current stage of integration.