Recent News
NUTS Classification Training for the Inter-institutional Working Group on Chapter 22 and ADF
As part of the support provided by the SDC funded RDPA Phase IV project to the members of the Working Group for Chapter 22 and the Albanian Development Fund (ADF) two international experts delivered a three days training programme on the NUTS classification, its implications for Albania in the next decade and on Regional Smart
Technical Workshop on Capitalization and Lessons Learnt
In this last month of the implementation of the ” Regional Development Program Albania “, a project of the Swiss and Austrian Governments, on March 23, 2023, the project gathered in a “Round Table – Technical Workshop” all the partners and actors involved in these 6 years of project implementation, to share and discuss together
Second Meeting of the Inter-institutional Working Group for Chapter 22
On March 6, 2023, the second meeting of the Inter-institutional Working Group for Chapter 22 “Regional Policy and Coordination of Structural Instruments” took place in Tirana. The meeting was held under the moderation of the Deputy Minister of the Interior, Mrs. Romina Kuko as Head of Negotiations for Chapter 22, supported by the Director of
“SMART Green Economy Possibilities for Radomira Touristic Village” project was successfully inaugurated
On March 2, 2023, in the presence of the Swiss Ambassador, Mrs. Ruth Huber, the mayor of Dibër Mr. Rahim Spahiu, representatives of the Albanian Development Fund and the Regional Development Program, were inaugurated the works of the tourist trail “Radomirë-Black Lake”. The project was implemented by Dibër Municipality within the grant scheme for Regional
Partnership Development in the Context of EU Cohesion Policy
The Regional Development Program (RDPA) co-financed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), implemented in partnership with the Government of Albania, during the month of February 2023, in the presence of the international expert Ms. Maja Hranilović conducted 2 trainings on “Development of Partnership in the Context
“Rehova’s Gate” project was successfully inaugurated
The project was implemented by the Municipality of Kolonjë within the Grant Scheme for Regional Development and Cohesion, implemented by the Regional Development Program Albania and the Albanian Development Fund, with the financial support of the Embassy of Switzerland in Albania and the Austrian Development Agency The final activity of this project was carried out
“Requalification of the Fushë Studen Village Center and Construction of the Bicycle Path” project was successfully inagurated
On January 12, 2023, in the presence of the Swiss Ambassador, Mrs. Ruth Huber, the Austrian Ambassador Mr. Christian Steiner and the local authorities, the works for the requalification of the Fushë Studen Village Center and the construction of the Bicycle Path were inaugurated. The project was implemented by the Librazhd Municipality within the framework
“Improvement of road infrastructure for pedestrians and bicycles in Ishull Lezhë” project was successfully inaugurated
On December 15, 2022, in the presence of the Ambassador of Switzerland to Albania Mrs. Ruth Huber, representative of the Swiss Agency for Development and the Mayor of Lezha municipality, Mr. Pjerin Ndreu, took place the inauguration of the project “Improvement of road infrastructure for pedestrians and bicycles in Ishull Lezhë’ The project has been
“Adventure Park in Shishtavec” project was successfully inaugurated!
The project was implemented by the Municipality of Kukës in partnership with DMO Kukës, within the Grant Scheme for Regional Development and Cohesion, implemented by the Regional Development Program Albania and the Albanian Development Fund, with the financial support of the Swiss and Austrian governments. The inauguration of the Adventure Park in Shishtavec took place
“Boosting the tourism offer through eco-solutions ” project was successfully inaugurated
Boosting the tourism offer through eco-solutions is the project implemented by the Belsh Municipality in partnership with The Albanian Center for Competitiveness and International Trade (ACIT), within the framework of the grant scheme for Regional Development and Cohesion, implemented by the Regional Development Program and the Albanian Development Fund, with the financial support of the
On December 08 and 09, 2022, the first Study Visit on Chapter 22 in Brussels took place.
** Text taken from the Agency for Support of Local Governments (ASLG) published on their Facebook page on 13 December 2022. With the technical assistance of RDPA, and with the participation of high-level representatives of the coordinating and contributing institutions of the EU negotiation process on Chapter 22, a 2 days study visit in Brussels
“Revitalization of attractive tourist environments in the tourist village of Roshnik” project was successfully inaugurated!
The project was implemented by the Municipality of Berat within the Grant Scheme for Regional Development and Cohesion, implemented by the Regional Development Program Albania and the Albanian Development Fund, with the financial support of the Swiss and Austrian governments The inauguration of the Roshnik village square took place on November 18, 2022, in the
First Meeting of the Inter-Institutional Working Group on Chapter 22
With the technical support of RDPA, the first meeting of the Inter Institutional Working Group on Chapter 22 “Regional Policy and Coordination of Structural Instruments” was held in Tirana on 16 November 2022. The meeting was chaired by Ms Romina Kuko, Deputy-Minister of the Ministry of Interior and organized by the Technical Secretariat on Chapter
“Zemër Labërie” project was successfully inaugurated!
Improving the tourist offer and increasing the seasonality in the villages of Lëpushë and Vermosh
The province of Kelmendi is the northernmost edge of Albania and part of the beauties of the Albanian Alps. In recent years, a number of development programs have started to be implemented in this area, aimed at improving the road and tourist infrastructure with the aim of promoting tourism. With the aim of promoting local
Improvement of road infrastructure for pedestrians and bicycles in Ishull Lezhe
Lezhe Municipality is implementing the project “Improvement of road infrastructure for pedestrians and bicycles in the village of Ishull Lezhe” within the Grant Scheme for Regional Development and Cohesion financed by the Swiss and Austrian governments, implemented by the Albanian Regional Development Program and the Albanian Development Fund . The project aims to promote tourism
Adventure Park in Shishtavec
Alternative economic development in high risk areas with illegal/informal actions such as cannabis planting in Gjirokastra and Dropull
Alternative economic development in areas with a high risk of illegal/informal actions such as planting cannabis in Gjirokaster and Dropull, is the project being implemented by the Municipality of Gjirokaster and Dropull Municipality within the framework of the Grants for Regional Development and Cohesion scheme.The project aims to promote a balanced and sustainable social and
Roshnik Festival
Zemër Labërie
Revitalization of attractive tourist facilities in the touristic village of Rroshnik
The project being implemented by Berat Municipality, within the Grant Scheme for Regional Development and Cohesion, focuses on the creation of some eco-tourism tourist attractions in the village of Roshnik.The municipality of Berat has started the revitalization of the space around Lake Bova, where a panoramic square will be created, a place where visitors can
Smart Green Economy Possibilities for Radomira Touristic Village
RDPA provides technical assistance to the Government of Albania to prepare for Chapter 22 Negotiations
Albania’s journey towards the European Union has begun since the early 2000, and materialized with the application for EU membership on April 28th 2009. The Council of the European Union, in June 2014, decided to grant Albania the status of a candidate country for membership in the European Union. Since then, Albania is making preparatory
PRAG Rules – Region 3 Training
The Regional Development Program (SDP) in cooperation with the Albanian School of Public Administration (ASPA) since September last year are conducting a series of trainings for local government institutions that focus mainly on strengthening the technical staff of municipal departments which are taken directly with the preparation and management of projects funded by various donors.
PRAG Rules – Region 2 Training
The Regional Development Program (RDP) in cooperation with the Albanian School of Public Administration (ASPA) since September last year are conducting a series of trainings for local government institutions that focus mainly on strengthening the technical staff of municipal departments which are taken directly with the preparation and management of projects funded by various donors.
Feasibility Study – Region 4 Training
The second cycle of trainings for local government institutions is successfully completed! Representatives of the municipalities of Region 4 participated in the training for “Feasibility Studies” which took place on 06-07 June 2022 in Vlora. The training was organized by the Regional Development Program (RDPA) in cooperation with the Albanian School of Public Administration (ASPA).
Feasibility Study – Region 1 Training
On the Spot Check Visits for projects financed under Grant Scheme on Regional Development and Cohesion
The Grant Scheme on Regional Development and Cohesion started its implementation in January 2022, after 10 Municipalities were selected as potential beneficiaries. The awarded projects were all located in villages identified by the “100+ villages” programme. The scope and nature of the Grant Scheme on Regional Development and Cohesion focus on regional development dimensions and
PRAG- Training of Trainers (ToT)
The Regional Development Program Albania (RDPA) in collaboration with the Albanian School of Public Administration (ASPA), will organize five trainings on the Practical Guide to procurement, grant award and contract procedures for European Union external actions (PRAG), in Albania. An in-depth training session (4 days), called Training of Trainers (ToT), took place on 23-24-25-26 May
Feasibility Study – Region 3 Training
Feasibility Study – Region 2 Training
Management and narrative and financial reporting- Training
On April 15, 2022, the training “Management and narrative and financial reporting” was held within the Grant Scheme for Regional Development and Cohesion. The training aimed to acquaint the staff of the beneficiary municipalities with the reporting formats, the monitoring structure as well as the sharing of lessons learned from the previous Schemes to help
The Feasibility Study- Training of Trainers (ToT)
The Regional Development Program (RDPA) in cooperation with the Albanian School of Public Administration (ASPA), are organizing a 4-day Training for Feasibility Studies on 4-5-6-7 April 2022. An in-depth training session (4 days), called Training of Trainers (ToT), is being conducted on April 4-7 with the participation of a professional staff, representatives of the Albanian
The rehabilitation of the irrigation canal Malaj Tarazh
Thanks to the support of the Swiss and Austrian governments, the Municipality of Mirdita has finalized a project much awaited by farmers and residents of the Malaj-Tarazh area. It is about the rehabilitation of the irrigation canal Malaj Tarazh, the length of which goes up to 9.8 km, covers about 490 ha of land and
Reconstruction of the structure and spaces of the Palace of Culture Rrogozhina “Haxhi Memolla”
The Municipality of Rrogozhina opened the doors of the multifunctional center in the Palace of Culture “Haxhi Memolla” on Friday March 11, in an inaugural event with the participation of the Mayor of Rrogozhina, Mr. Edison Memolla, Representatives of the Swiss Embassy in Albania, Regional Development Programa Albania and Albanian Development Fund. The reconstruction of
Law for Public Procurement and Innovations – Training
On February 22, 2022, the training ” Law for Public Procurement and Innovations ” was held by the Regional Development Program and the Albanian Development Fund, in the framework of the implementation of the Grant Scheme for Regional Development and Cohesion. The training was conducted with the physical participation of 13 representatives of municipalities involved
Grant Contract Management – Training
On February 3, 2022, the training “Grant Contract Management” was held by the Regional Development Program and the Albanian Development Fund, in the framework of the beginning of the implementation of the Grant Scheme for Regional Development and Cohesion. The training was attended by the employees of the 10 winning Municipalities of the second Grant
The Grant Scheme for Regional Development and Cohesion contributes to the implementation of the Programme for the Integrated and Sustainable Development of the 100 + Villages of Albania 2022 – 2026.
CINEMA – THEATER “Aleksandër Moisiu”
Kavaja opened the doors of the cinema theater “Aleksandër Moisiu” already completely reconstructed thanks to the grant given under the Grant Scheme in Support of the Earthquake Affected Areas. This building from 1938-1943, located in the heart of the city, has remained closed for more than three decades, subjecting it to decadence and demolition. Thanks
The inauguration of the concert hall “Ramiz Kovaçi”
The inauguration of the concert hall “Ramiz Kovaçi” was a very important event not only for Krutan artists, who for twenty years have not had the opportunity to show their talent on a real stage, but also for all art lovers and citizens of Kruja . The concert hall “Ramiz Kovaçi” already meets the standards
Lezha with two New Bridges over the Drin!
Another successful project was inaugurated under the Grant Scheme in Support of Earthquake Affected Areas! The project was inaugurated today in the presence of the Mayor of Lezha, Mr. Pjerin Ndreu and the Ambassador of Switzerland in Albania, Mr. Adrian Maitre. The Regional Development Program in Albania continues with the implementation and monitoring of projects
A nursery for Happy children
“A nursery for Happy children” is the first inaugurated project in the frame of the Grant Scheme in Support to the Earthquake Affected Areas supported by the Swiss and Austrian governments. Municipality of Kamza, one of the beneficiaries of the Grant Scheme which is being implemented by the Regional Development Programme in close collaboration with
Project cycle Management- Region 3
The first round of trainings for “Project cycle Management” is successfully finalized. Regional Development Program Albania on 25-26 November 2021 in close coordination with the Albanian School of Public Administration- ASPA finalized the first cycle of training for the municipalities of Region 3. This training was conducted for all municipalities of the country and was
Project cycle Management- Region 4
The Regional Development Program Albania continues with the first round of trainings for “Project Cycle Management” on 08-09 November 2021 for the 20 municipalities of Development Region 4, in close coordination with the Albanian School of Public Administration, ASPA. This training, which is taking place for all municipalities of the country, is the first training
On the Spot Check in the Municipality of Rrogozhina and the Municipality of Kavaja
On October 20, 2021, the Albania Regional Development Program and the Albanian Development Fund conducted field visits to the Municipality of Rrogozhina and the Municipality of Kavaja to closely follow the interventions being carried out at the Palace of Culture “Haxhi Memolla” and the cinema theater “Aleksandër Moisiu” , under the Grant Scheme in Support
Project cycle Management- Region 1
The Regional Development Program Albania is organizing these 2 days the second round of training for “Project Cycle Management” with the municipalities of the Development Region Kukës – Shkodër – Lezhë, in close coordination with the Albanian School of Administration Public, ASPA.
First step finalised – Evaluation of Concept Notes in the frame of the Grant Scheme on Regional Development and Cohesion
Regional Development Programme Albania in close collaboration with Albanian Development Fund have finalised the first stage of the evaluation procedure for the applications delivered within the deadline of the Call for Proposals in the frame of the Grant Scheme for Regional Development and Cohesion. 61 applications were delivered within the 20th of August 2021, out
Project cycle Management- Region 2
The Regional Development Program Albania, organised on September 29 & 30 the first round of trainings for “Project cycle Management” with the 11 municipalities of the Development Region 2 Tirana – Durres – Dibra, in close coordination with the Albanian School of Public Administration, ASPA. This training, which will take place in the future for
Corrigeum of Call for Proposal for the Grant Scheme Regional Development and Cohesion
Kindergarten project in Babrru-Center
Regional Development Program Albania, representatives of the Swiss Embassy and representatives of the Albanian Development Fund organised a joint meeting with the municipality of Kamza in the framework of the implementation of the project of a nursery on Babrru Qendwr. This project, implemented by the Municipality of Kamëz, has been selected on the framework of
Two bridges on the Drin river project
Regional Development Program Albania, representatives of the Swiss Embassy and representatives of the Albanian Development Fund organized a joint meeting with the municipality of Lezha in the framework of the implementation of the project of two bridges on the Drin River. This project, implemented by the Municipality of Lezhë, has been selected on the framework
The Cinema Theater of the city of Kavaja is being renovated thanks to the support of the Swiss Government and the Austrian Government .
The Regional Development Program in close cooperation with the Albanian Development Fund / Albanian Development Fund, in the framework of advancing the regional development reform and cohesion are implementing the grant scheme in support of the areas affected by the earthquake. Financial and technical support for capacity building of local institutions is one of the
RDPA Gant Scheme implementation!
The Malaj-Tarazh area (villages Malaj, Tenë, Bungaj, Tarazh) in Mirditë Municipality, is being equipped with a water supply network that will provide water for agricultural lands, thus increasing the agricultural, economic and tourist potential for the whole area. 378 family farms and agribusinesses will benefit from this project that is being implemented by the Municipality
“QUESTIONS & ANSWERS” / 15 – 30 July 2021
In the framework of the Grant Scheme on Regional Development and Cohesion published on 15 July 2021, with the support of Swiss Development Cooperation Agency and Austrian Development Agency, RDPA prepared the “Questions and Answers” document, providing further clarifications on the grant scheme.
Grant Scheme for Regional Development and Cohesion info-sessions
The Regional Development Programme Albania, in collaboration with the Albanian Development Fund, is publishing the second Grant Scheme which focus is on regional development and cohesion.
The Grant Scheme has been prepared in alignment with the “Programme for Integrated and Sustainable Development of 100+ Villages of Albania 2022-2026” implemented by ADF,as the objectives of “100 villages” programme contribute to the RDPA objectives. The scope and nature of the second Grant Scheme on Regional Development and Cohesion shall focus on regional development
The RDPA Extraordinary Steering Committee Meeting 24.02.2021
The Regional Development Programme in Albania (RDPA) IV is a joint and ongoing effort, in support of Regional Development Reform in Albania, co-financed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), and implemented in partnership with the Government of Albania. Following the coordination and joint work, on 24.02.2021,
8 awarded projects in the frame of the Grant Scheme in Support to the Earthquake Affected Areas
Successful completion of proposals evaluation under RDPA Grant Scheme in support of the earthquake affected areas All municipalities eligible for financing under the RDPA Grant Scheme in support of the earthquake affected areas worked on the preparation of matured projects and submitted 13 applications. Albanian Development Fund as Mandated Body for the grant scheme implementation
Albanian Parliament approves the ‘Law on Regional Development and Cohesion’
The Assembly of Albania, in the plenary session of July 29, 2020, under the chairmanship of Mr.Gramoz Ruçi, among others, reviewed and approved the draft law ‘On Regional Development and Cohesion’. This Law drafted by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and the Albanian Development Fund (ADF), with the support of the Program of
The ‘Parliamentary Commission on Economy and Finance’ approves the draft law ‘On Regional Development and Cohesion
The parliamentary Commision on Economy and Finance, chaired by Mrs. Milva Ekonomi, approved in today’s virtual meeting the draft law “On regional development and cohesion” drafted by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and the Albanian Development Fund / Albanian Development Fund with the support of the Program of the Swiss and Austrian Governments
The Draft Law on Regional Development and Cohesion is approved by the Parliamentary Commission on European Integration
The Commission for European Integration, chaired by Mrs. Rudina Hajdari in the virtual meeting of July 22 reviewed and approved two draft laws “On regional development and cohesion”, drafted by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and the Albanian Development Fund (ADF) with the support of the Swiss and Austrian Governments Program for Regional
Launching of the RDPA grant scheme in support to earthquake affected areas in Albania
The Regional Development Program in Albania (RDPA), a project of SDC and ADA, on July 20, 2020 launched the Grant Scheme in support of areas affected by the earthquake, in an activity held at the premises of the Durres Amphitheatre. This activity took place, under the special participation of H.E. Adrian Maitre, Ambassador of Switzerland
“QUESTIONS & ANSWERS”/1 – 30 July 2019
In the framework of the Grant Scheme in Support to Earthquake Affected Areas published on 20 July 2020, launched by the Regional Development Programme Albania with the support of Swiss Development Cooperation Agency and Austrian Development Agency , RDPA prepared the “Questions and Answers” document, providing further clarifications on the grant scheme.
Call for applications for the RDPA Grant Scheme in support to the earthquake affected areas in Albania
Regional Development Programme in Albania (RDPA), a project of SDC and ADA implemented in partnership with the Albanian Development Fund (ADF), is launching a Grant Scheme in Support to the Earthquake Affected Areas. This grant scheme is initiated as in instrument with the global objective to support all communities and local governments directly affected from
Regional Development Programme Albania: Reflecting and Preparing for Phase IV
RDPA Team is enthusiastic to finalise phase 3 and continue its support within phase 4 of the Programme toward the official counterparts, ensuring all support and expertise needed to advance the regional policy reform and set up all needed structures for a successful future implementation…
National Framework for Regional Development: a new Approach at Reducing Regional Disparities
March 2019The preparation of the Regional Development Policy in Albania, a process assisted and supported by RDPA, aims at addressing the key challenges and development obstacles that the country needs to overcome….
RDPA ALBANIA KICKS OFF PHASE IV
1 April 2019The main objective of RDPA phase IV remains the reducing of disparities in Albania by supporting the development of strong regions, so they can advance their potentials and provide better social and economic conditions for their citizens.
Regional Pilot Grant Scheme: Improving the Lives of Local Communities in 16 Municipalities
46 Municipalities applied with concrete proposals addressing immediate local needs, resulting in 16 awarded projects …
Regional Development in Albania in the loop of EU integration
September 2018The aims of stimulating regional development, which is grounded on the European standards and principles is required to be established as basic directions for regional growth, thus aiming at the achievement of a more balanced regional development and towards more efficient exploitation of natural and economic potentials in regions…
Study Visit in Portugal: A rich learning experience on EU regional development approach
16-22 SeptemberRegional Development Programme Albania (RDPA), financed by the Swiss and Austrian Governments, successfully finalized the planned Study Visit “Learning from EU Experience on Regional Development” conducted in Portugal during 16 – 22 September 2018.
Regional Development and EU Cohesion Policy: A Tailored Approach towards Regional Development Needs
September 2018Cohesion Policy is the EU’s main investment policy that targets all regions and cities in the European Union in order to support job creation, business competitiveness, economic growth, sustainable development, and improve citizens’ quality of life…
RDPA awards 16 Grants to Municipalities (Regional Pilot Grant Scheme)
In the framework of the RDPA Regional Pilot Grant Scheme, 16 grants were awarded to finance small-scale infrastructure interventions …
RDPA Pilot Grant Scheme Projects Selection
Today, 18 June 2018, RDPA notified all the applicant municipalities that applied under the RDAP Pilot Regional Grant Scheme on the outcome of the Evaluation Process. The list of the selected applications will be published after the termination of the complaint period. In the framework of the #RDPA Regional Pilot Grant Scheme (https://bit.ly/2HxgLRW) 47 Municipalities applied. The
A corrigendum for the Call for Proposals published on 11 April 2018
A corrigendum has been issued for the Call for Proposals published on 11 April 2018. Please click here to access the corrigendum. RDPA Pilot Regional Grant Scheme Call for Proposals Corrigendum in PDF Budget Form Updated.
“GRANT ASSESSORS” FOR THE RDPA PILOT REGIONAL GRANT SCHEME
The Regional Development Programme Albania (RDPA) – Phase III is a joint effort to support the regional development reform in Albania, co-funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation and the Austrian Development Agency and implemented in partnership with the Government of Albania. Within this framework, RDPA III announces a vacancy for short-term
RDPA Regional Pilot Grant Scheme Launched
61 Municipalities of Albania, have the opportunity to apply for funding, to support small-scale local infrastructure projects and ..
Regional Development in Albania, towards a new sustainable endogenous growth
In its recent history Albania has undergone a profound and accelerated process of economic, social and territorial change. The progress of the country has brought along new challenges and opportunities, which should be converted in coherent economic, social and territorial development policies in order to ensure a sustainable endogenous growth.
Sustainability in Regional Development (key definitions & implications)
The regional development approach came in the loop after past development policies failed to reduce regional disparities and were not able to help underdeveloped regions to catch up, despite the allocation of significant public funding. Regional development policy became increasingly important as governments of many countries have sought to address the persistent problems of underdeveloped
RDPA 1st Steering Committee
On February 14th, 2018, Regional Development Programme in Albania, will conduct its first General Stirring Committee. This event will gather key actors of the Programme including partners of the Project, Institutional Counterpart, stakeholders and donors to present and discuss the most important developments during one year. The event will be an opportunity to exchange perspectives
RDPA introduces the ‘partnership approach’ with RDA-s
The four established working teams in each RDA ensure knowledge, expertise and gender balance. Such teams composed with members from different backgrounds help to better understand and draft the diagnosis/analysis for the Regional Development in the respective regions While the term ‘region’ in itself can be used broadly to define different territorial, administrative or cultural