Development cooperation between the Federal Republic of Germany and the Republic of Albania began in 1988. Since then, Albania has progressed from being the poorest country in Europe to a potential candidate for accession to the European Union (EU). The Stabilisation and Association Agreement with the European Union entered into force on 1 April 2009. Albania submitted its application for EU membership in the same month. Nevertheless, the country still faces enormous challenges on its path towards EU integration. Helping to overcome these challenges is the primary goal of GTZ’s work in Albania. GTZ, on behalf of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), has been active there ever since cooperation between the two countries was initiated.

The focus of GTZ’s work is on sustainable economic development and water supply. The programmes and projects contribute towards developing a functioning free market and a competitive economy, which are prerequisites for EU accession. Other areas of cooperation are vocational training and EU-compliant commercial law. GTZ is also advising on how to improve the conditions required for a safe drinking water supply and sustainable wastewater disposal.

In addition, GTZ is strengthening cooperation between the state and civil society in an effort to involve the people themselves in the necessary reforms. For its part, the Albanian Government has set up a fund to promote civil society initiatives.

Albania also receives assistance through the multi-country Open Regional Fund for South-East Europe. BMZ uses this instrument to promote legal reforms, foreign trade consultancy and activities designed to help modernise municipal services, and to advance energy efficiency and renewable energy.

Using EU funds, GTZ is mandated to provide in-depth consultancy on European integration. This involves advice on administrative reform, capacity-building at the Ministry of European Integration and the strengthening of structures to promote rural development.

GTZ and KfW Entwicklungsbank maintain a joint coordination office in Tirana.