New joint projects between Greece and Albania through Interreg worth 19.2 million euros

Seventeen new cross-border projects with a total budget of 19.2 million euros were approved under the Interreg IPA VI-A Program "Greece - Albania 2021-2027", aiming to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in areas such as green transition, environmental protection, transport, health and culture.

A total of 55 organizations are participating in the projects, of which 30 are from Greece and 25 from Albania. The actions cover Greek regions such as the regional units of Arta, Preveza, Thesprotia, Ioannina, Florina, Kastoria, Kozani and Grevena, as well as the islands of Corfu, Lefkada, Ithaca, Kefalonia and Zakynthos. On the Albanian side, the regions of Berat, Fieri, Gjirokaster, Korçë and Vlorë participate.

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The relevant funding decisions were signed by the Deputy Minister of National Economy and Finance, Nikos Papathanasis, while with the completion of the first call for proposals for the program, the Interreg "Greece - Albania" is now entering the project implementation phase.

Projects for the green transition and the environment

The green transition sector includes four projects with a total budget of 3.9 million euros, which aim to strengthen resilience to climate change and manage environmental risks. The actions include interventions for the prevention of forest fires, sustainable agricultural production and the response to extreme weather events using modern technologies.

At the same time, two projects worth 2.1 million euros focus on the sustainable management of water resources, with interventions in water supply and sanitation infrastructure, improving water quality and strengthening the resilience of transboundary watersheds, with particular emphasis on the Prespa region.

In addition, a project with a budget of 1.2 million euros concerns the protection of biodiversity and the development of green infrastructure in mountainous areas.

Improving transport and cross-border connectivity

Three projects with a total budget of 4.1 million euros concern the enhancement of cross-border accessibility. The interventions include upgrading local road networks, improving road safety and enhancing connectivity in mountainous and remote areas, contributing to citizen mobility and regional development.

Strengthening health services

In the health sector, four projects with a total budget of 5.2 million euros are being implemented, which aim to improve citizens' access to health services and strengthen the resilience of health systems in border areas.

The actions include the supply of medical equipment and the use of digital tools for prevention, diagnosis and patient monitoring.

Culture and sustainable tourism development

Three more projects with a total budget of 2.7 million euros concern the protection and promotion of cultural heritage, as well as the promotion of sustainable tourism development in cross-border areas.

The actions include utilizing digital applications to promote cultural monuments, improving accessibility to cultural sites and enhancing the participation of local communities, while contributing to the development of the local economy.

With the completion of the first call for proposals, a total of 20 projects – including three strategic projects – are being activated with a total budget of 25.6 million euros, an amount corresponding to approximately 85% of the program's available resources.