North Macedonia and Albania mark beginning of IPA III Cross Border Cooperation Programme

The Ministry of Local Self-Government of North Macedonia, the State Agency for Strategic Programming and Assistance Coordination of Albania and the European Union officially marked the beginning of the IPA III Cross Border Cooperation Programme between North Macedonia and Albania on Wednesday in Ohrid. EUR 13.79 million will be provided for projects in the period until 2027.

“The goal of the programme is the promotion of sustainable development, environmental protection and socio-economic growth, with a focus on the improvement of the cross border region through sustainable tourism, cultural heritage and initiatives for adaption to climate change,” said the Ministry of Local Self-Government.

The event is being attended by representatives of municipalities and civil associations from both countries.

“The representatives of the operational structures of the two countries, as well as the EU Delegation in Skopje, informed the participants about the goals of the programme, as well as the method of implementation. Additionally, the useful experience and success of the IPA II programme was also highlighted,” said the Ministry.

The Ministry stated that financing is strategically divided between the areas of environmental protection (EUR 6.3 million), sustainable tourism and cultural heritage (EUR 6.3 million), and technical assistance of EUR 1.19 million supporting the implementation of the IPA III programme which aims to improve the living conditions and create new opportunities for municipalities and citizens in the cross border region.