The First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of European Affairs, Bekim Sali, held a working meeting with the Minister of Environment and Spatial Planning, Muhamet Hoxha, dedicated to the current state of affairs and the challenges in the implementation of IPA projects in the environment sector.
At the meeting, it was noted that, despite the significant financial support from the European Union, the implementation of the projects is facing serious challenges, particularly in the areas of fund absorption, administrative capacity, and the conduct of public procurement procedures.
Special attention was given to the status of key infrastructure projects, with emphasis placed on the fact that some of them are facing delays, unsuccessful tender procedures, or terminated contracts, which poses a risk to their timely implementation and the effective use of the funds.
The ministers agreed that the main challenge lies not in planning or securing funds, but in their effective implementation, and that it is necessary to:
- strengthen administrative capacities
- improve project management
- ensure more efficient coordination between institutions
- establish mechanisms to prevent unsuccessful tenders
In addition, the importance of accelerating reforms under Chapter 27 and fulfilling the obligations arising from the Reform Agenda was emphasized, particularly in the area of climate policy and the establishment of the MRVA system.
Sali stressed that the Ministry of European Affairs will continue to actively coordinate and monitor the implementation of reforms, with the aim of ensuring more efficient use of EU funds and delivering concrete results for citizens.
