Albania
Population 2.8 millionAlbania is a candidate country for EU membership. The EU is Albania’s primary political and economic partner, and its largest donor and investor. To help the country progress on its EU path, the EU provides financial assistance in a wide range of areas – from agriculture to transport, green energy to support for entrepreneurs, and much more.
This goes hand-in-hand with support for improvements that are necessary to meet EU standards, in areas like the judiciary and public administration. In this way, EU is contributing to improve the quality of life and opportunities for Albania’s citizens.
STORIES FROM ALBANIA
Real people, true stories
Discover creative and innovative ideas that come to life in Albania – thanks to the support of the European Union.
Opportunities
Democracy and fundamental rightsCall for project proposals under the EU Civil Society and Media Programme for Western Balkans and Türkiye
Under this Call for Proposals, a number of long-term grants will be awarded to create and/or support regional thematic networks of CSOs in a range of thematic priorities. The networks financed will help improve coalition and capacity building for an increased impact of CSOs on relevant sector reforms. Financial support to third parties (“sub-granting”) will enable the participation of grassroots organisations across the region in the networks.
Funding opportunities 
Civil society organisations 
29/12/2023 
Culture and youth2024 call for Creative Europe Networks open
The Creative Europe Networks call will foster projects implemented by networks of organisations with membership in multiple countries that have a shared mission, governance rules, members' rights, and obligations
Funding opportunities
Artists & culture organisations, Civil society organisations
07/03/2024 Latest news
Centralized Repository for All Webalkans Newsletters
4 December 2023
EU inaugurates 3 newly reconstructed youth and recreation facilities in Përmet Municipality
1 December 2023
BIRN to Support Development of Masters Programme in Investigative Journalism
24 November 2023
Introducing the upgraded Erasmus+ App!
24 November 2023
EU in Albania launches new awareness campaign on EU’s support to tackle the country’s environmental challenges
24 November 2023
Albania: EIB Global deploys additional support to improve water distribution system in Tirana
24 November 2023
YEAs Contribute to River Cleanup Initiative in Albania
23 November 2023
YEAs Contribute to Brave New Media Forum
23 November 2023
YEAs participate in the Balkan Economic Forum
23 November 2023
Fact Sheets for the Western Balkans’ New Growth Plan now Accessible on the webalkans.eu website’s publications section
23 November 2023
36th Project Financiers’ Group (PFG) meeting, 9 November 2023
15 November 2023
RCC presents the third edition of public opinion survey on security issues SecuriMeter
15 November 2023
EU and Germany launch new €14.6 million project developing circular economy in Albania
15 November 2023
Creative FLIP organises conference to showcase its results
10 November 2023
EIB and European Commission to triple advisory support for the Western Balkans under the JASPERS programme
10 November 2023
Statement by President von der Leyen on the 2023 Enlargement Package and the new Growth Plan for the Western Balkans
8 November 2023
Commission adopts 2023 Enlargement package
8 November 2023
Commission presents a new Growth Plan for the Western Balkans including €6 billion in grants and loans to accelerate economic convergence with the EU
8 November 2023
2024 call for Creative Europe Networks open
3 November 2023
Creative Europe 2024 calls for Platforms and Pan-European Cultural Entities open
3 November 2023
Erasmus+ Days 2023: more than 9,000 local events celebrated learning and diversity
2 November 2023
RCC ESAP 2: Western Balkan enforcement authorities explore cyprus’ approach to undeclared and discuss platform work
1 November 2023
President von der Leyen in the Western Balkans to present details of the Growth Plan for the region
29 October 2023
YEAs participate in the UNAA Youth Forum ‘Skills for Peace’ in Tirana
27 October 2023
EU Investigative Journalism Awards 2023: Meet the Winners
27 October 2023
Creative Europe call for European cooperation projects open
27 October 2023
RCC opens applications for butterfly innovation award 2023
27 October 2023
YEAs AL participate in the Civil Society Forum of the Western Balkans
20 October 2023
What is Europe? – YEAs Albania join in the discussion
20 October 2023
Apply now for second call for residency hosts under Culture Moves Europe
20 October 2023
Big interest from small businesses for EU support in the Western Balkans
19 October 2023
The Western Balkans Six leader signed an agreement under the Common Regional Market (CRM) Action Plan’s mobility agenda
18 October 2023
Rebuilding Albanian railways with EBRD and EU support
18 October 2023
YEAs from Albania meet President von der Leyen at EU House Tirana
17 October 2023
Opening remarks by President von der Leyen at the Berlin Process Summit
16 October 2023
Statement by President von der Leyen on the launch of applications for the academic year 2024-2025 of the College of Europe in Tirana
16 October 2023
Statement by President von der Leyen at the joint press conference with Albanian Prime Minister Rama
16 October 2023
Opening of 2024 Erasmus+ European Universities call
12 October 2023
Regional EU Awards for Best Investigative Journalism Announced
12 October 2023
WB Youth Forum 2023 in Tirana: Empowering Youth to Act on Berlin Declaration
12 October 2023
Bringing the European excellence to Tirana: Memorandum of Understanding signed with College of Europe
9 October 2023
Albanian YEAs Visit EU4Schools-Funded Project
9 October 2023
Launching the Digital for Development Hub for the Western Balkans
6 October 2023
Culture Moves Europe call for artists opens again
6 October 2023
The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) presents winners of the fourth Western Balkans online competition for the best digital solutions, BALKATHON 4.0
5 October 2023
Sarajevo hosts the sixth Western Balkans Digital Summit
5 October 2023
New European Bauhaus: applications open for 2024 edition of NEB Prizes
4 October 2023
Decrease of data roaming fees between the Western Balkans and the EU
2 October 2023
Open4Business is open for registration
29 September 2023
Enhancing elderly care: An EU-Funded Project uplifts lives in Tirana
26 September 2023
EU launches new project: EU for Circular Economy
26 September 2023
A New Boost in Cooperation in South Adriatic Region through the EU Funds
22 September 2023
Border management: EU signs Frontex Status Agreement with Albania
20 September 2023
62 new VET projects selected under the 2023 capacity building call
14 September 2023
Transforming Education in Albania: Thousands of children begin the new School Year in state-of-art facilities
14 September 2023
2023 State of the Union Address by President von der Leyen
13 September 2023
Regional Call for Civil Society Projects Supporting Youth
3 August 2023
SOCIEUX+ forges new partnerships in the Western Balkans
28 July 2023
BIRN Albania and SCiDEV Present Studies on Disinformation, Propaganda and Fake News
28 July 2023
Winners Announced: 3 Best Entries of the Berlin Logo Competition 2023 Awarded by RYCO, Albanian and German Governments
28 July 2023
Support for regional cooperation among Western Balkan business people has risen from 69% last year, to 74%
28 July 2023
Regional Cooperation Council published the results of Balkan Barometer
20 July 2023
A YEA Pop-Up Event at the University of Regensburg Draws Interest from EU Students
19 July 2023
Screening of Resources, agriculture and cohesion cluster kicks off with Albania and North Macedonia
19 July 2023
RCC, EESC set to deepen civil society and youth engagement in region’s reform processes
14 July 2023
RCC’s trademark digital competition – BALKATHON 4.0 – is on! apply now!
14 July 2023
New investments given green light at WBIF 4th Operational Board
14 July 2023
Call for EU Investigative Journalism Award 2023 is now closed
7 July 2023
RCC and DG NEAR organize a high-level conference on cybersecurity in the Western Balkans
7 July 2023
Erasmus+: New funding for European Universities alliances boosts cooperation in higher education
3 July 2023
Digital Europe Programme opens to candidate countries Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania, and Serbia to access calls for funding
3 July 2023
European Commission launched an additional €2.1 billion investment package for the Western Balkans under the Economic and Investment Plan
3 July 2023
RCC, SEESAC, PFSALW organise high-level meeting on small and light weapons control
27 June 2023
BIRN Albania Conducts Training on Journalists’ Digital Rights
22 June 2023
RCC Receives Annual Prespa Forum Dialogue 2023 Award
22 June 2023
MADE OF US: A Remarkable Adventure Successfully Comes to an End!
20 June 2023
100 km of regional roads in Albania to be reconstructed this year with EU support
16 June 2023
Closing the screening meetings of Competitiveness and Inclusive Growth cluster with Albania and North Macedonia
16 June 2023
WeBalkans at the European Youth Event 2023 in Strasbourg
13 June 2023
The EU disburses €450 million to the Western Balkans partners delivering on the Energy Support Package for the region
12 June 2023
The final conference of the ‘EU Support to the WB6 CIF’ project
9 June 2023
Commission wraps up roundtable meetings with cultural and creative sectors
8 June 2023
No Borders orchestra is the champion of regional cooperation for 2022
7 June 2023
President Ursula von der Leyen Presents Growth Plan for the Western Balkans at GLOBSEC 2023 Bratislava Forum
6 June 2023
Keynote speech by President von der Leyen at the GLOBSEC 2023 Bratislava Forum
2 June 2023
35th WBIF Project Financiers’ Group (PFG) Meeting, 24-25 May 2023
2 June 2023
How Creative Europe aims to go green
1 June 2023
EU transfers EUR 72 million to Albania as part of Energy Support Package
1 June 2023
MADE OF US campaign reaches Albania today
24 May 2023
Restored Albania’s Iconic Mosaic Regains its Original Shine on Tiranas’s Main Square
19 May 2023
High Representative Borrell and Commissioner Johansson host high-level ministerial conference on the Roadmap to comprehensive Small Arms and Light Weapons control in the Western Balkans
17 May 2023
Connecting Europe: Commission signs high-level agreements with Western Balkans to improve transport links
17 May 2023
Connectivity Summit “Sustainable Links-Stronger Economy”
17 May 2023
Launch of new project to enhance judicial cooperation within and with the Western Balkans
17 May 2023
New opportunities for vulnerable communities through the socially responsible public procurement
17 May 2023
Europe Week 2023 celebrates skills and EU support in Albania
17 May 2023
Boosting private sector finance for investments under Global Gateway and Economic and Investment Plans
17 May 2023
#IDecide Awareness Campaign Raises Awareness on Local Elections in Albania
16 May 2023
Commissioner Oliver Várhelyi in Bulgaria to participate in the “EU meets the Balkans” Forum
15 May 2023
Calls Opens for EU Investigative Journalism Award 2023
10 May 2023
YEAs at Europe Day 2023 in Brussels
10 May 2023
€3 million project Perform Europe 2 to make sustainable touring a reality
5 May 2023
Moderate progress of the Western Balkan economies regarding the European pillar of social rights
5 May 2023
European Union launches the third phase of its Roma Integration programme in partnership with the Council of Europe
4 May 2023
Decrease of data roaming fees between the Western Balkans and the EU
3 May 2023
Winners of the 2023 EU Award for Roma Integration in the Western Balkans and Türkiye announced
3 May 2023
Speech by President von der Leyen at the Roma Week 2023, via video message
28 April 2023
RCC convenes major Western Balkan stakeholders for workshop on media literacy and countering hybrid threats and disinformation
27 April 2023
MADE OF US: An incredible adventure has just begun!
19 April 2023
“Made of us” – Campaign launch event
11 April 2023
CONNECTA workshops ‘Technical Assistance for the Deployment of Smart and Sustainable Mobility in the Western Balkans’
3 April 2023
NGO forum on the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans
31 March 2023
EU and Albania finalise IPA22 and IPA23 agreements providing €162.6 million of EU assistance to Albania
31 March 2023
Boosting digital development of the Western Balkans
31 March 2023
Energy Challenges Conference held in Tirana, Albania
24 March 2023
Third edition of ETF Green Skills Award champions global sustainability and growth
23 March 2023
WeBalkans Announces Winners of ‘Made of Us’ Vlogger Competition
21 March 2023
Apply now: new Culture Moves Europe call for residency hosts
20 March 2023
Work begins on energy-efficient Student City I campus dormitories in Tirana
17 March 2023
RCC presents Western Balkans women entrepreneurs of the year 2022
16 March 2023
High Representative Borrell and Commissioner Várhelyi in Albania and North Macedonia for the bilateral Stabilisation and Association Councils
15 March 2023
Media and Information Literacy Workshops by YEAs start in the Western Balkans!
9 March 2023
YEA organise street action to mark 8 March International Women’s day
8 March 2023
BIRN Kicks Off Project Strengthening Quality Journalism in Western Balkans and Türkiye II
3 March 2023
The EU is changing the lives of Albanians for better
1 March 2023
EIB Global investments reached €824 million in the Western Balkans in 2022, complemented by €11.2 million in grants
1 March 2023
New study shows resilience and response in EU neighbours during pandemic crisis
28 February 2023
2023 Erasmus+ European Universities call attracts 65 proposals involving 500 institutions across Europe
16 February 2023
TEDxYouth@MarijinDvor, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
15 February 2023
Call for applications now open for the 2023 EU Award for Roma integration in the Western Balkans and Türkiye
14 February 2023
RCC: Nominations for Western Balkans women entrepreneurs of the year 2022 open
10 February 2023
The Delegation of the European Union in Albania launches “Track the truth”, an initiative campaign to raise awareness about disinformation
10 February 2023
EU Communication Workshop with YEAs in Skopje, North Macedonia
7 February 2023
Open Call for Expressions of Interest in Cultural Leadership and Media Programmes
6 February 2023
Meet the 17 Selected Superschools of Albania
27 January 2023
EU agrees 24 new guarantee programmes to boost investments in enlargement and neighbourhood regions
27 January 2023
Media and Information Literacy Workshops by YEAs start in the Western Balkans!
26 January 2023
RCC launches a campaign to encourage young women and girls across the Western Balkans to choose careers in STEM
23 January 2023
Commission publishes report on health and wellbeing of musicians
20 January 2023
Tell us your European heritage story – new funding call for European Heritage Days 2023
20 January 2023
EU and IFC sign the 1st of a series of EU Economic and Investment Plan projects
27 December 2022
BIRN Trains 30 Journalists in Audience Engagement Reporting
20 December 2022
€1 billion Energy Support Package for the Western Balkans
20 December 2022
Commission publishes new report on culture for sustainable development in EU actions
19 December 2022
RCC hosts the second Butterfly Innovation and Business Forum in Sarajevo
15 December 2022
Vice-President Pavlova pledges EIB Global support for the energy crisis at the EU Western Balkans Summit
8 December 2022
The Regional Housing Programme celebrates the delivery of its 10 000 home in the Western Balkans
7 December 2022
MADE OF US: An incredible adventure is about to begin in spring 2023
7 December 2022
EU-Western Balkans Summit in Tirana reaffirms the EU membership perspective of the Western Balkans and EU’s strategic partnership with the region
6 December 2022
Significant reduction of data roaming prices between Western Balkans and EU to start as of 1 October 2023
6 December 2022
New European Bauhaus: applications for the 2023 Prizes open to the Western Balkans
6 December 2022
EU-Western Balkans Summit in Tirana to reconfirm the EU’s strategic bond with accession partners
5 December 2022
Migration routes: Commission proposes Action Plan for cooperation with Western Balkans to address common challenges
5 December 2022
YEAs at EYE Varaždin
1 December 2022
Creative Europe call for cooperation projects
24 November 2022
Fourth Regional Forum on Ending Violence against Women in the Western Balkans and Türkiye
24 November 2022
58 new VET projects selected under first ever capacity building call by ERASMUS+
24 November 2022
European investors gather for a presentation of the opportunities and advantages of doing business in the Western Balkans
24 November 2022
Mental health focus to RCC Western Balkans Youth Lab conference in Pristina
21 November 2022
Albania joins the EU Civil Protection Mechanism
18 November 2022
New edition of EU-Western Balkans Media Conference in Albania reaffirms the importance of media freedom and freedom of expression
18 November 2022
Creative Europe publishes call to support literary translations
17 November 2022
EU Investigative Journalism Award Winners for 2022 announced at the EU Western Balkans Media Conference in Tirana
17 November 2022
34th WBIF Project Financiers’ Group (PFG) Meeting, 11 November 2022
16 November 2022
145 projects selected for Erasmus+ higher education capacity building funding
11 November 2022
New edition of EU-Western Balkans Media Conference taking place on 10-11 November in Albania
10 November 2022
YEA participate at the Western Balkans Youth Forum
7 November 2022
Berlin Process Summit: EU announces €1 billion energy support package for the Western Balkans and welcomes new agreements to strengthen the Common Regional Market
3 November 2022
Statement by President von der Leyen on the occasion of her official visit to Albania
28 October 2022
YEAs participate in European Migration Forum in Brussels
28 October 2022
BIRN Holds Visual Storytelling Workshop for Youngsters Interested in Transitional Justice
27 October 2022
ErasmusDays: 6,300 local events celebrated Erasmus+
27 October 2022
RYCO and Superschools Delegation Participate in Berlin Process Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on the Western Balkans
27 October 2022
President von der Leyen in the Western Balkans to discuss EU support to deal with the energy crisis
27 October 2022
EU increases support for border and migration management in the Western Balkans
27 October 2022
Third generation of Young European Ambassadors from the Western Balkans join the network
27 October 2022
Screening of Competitiveness and Inclusive Growth cluster kicks off as part of negotiations process with Albania and North Macedonia
21 October 2022
EU and Western Balkans mobile operators to work together on steps to start roaming charge reduction
21 October 2022
EU4Youth Days in Brussels with YEA participation
20 October 2022
Nominations open for Mayor Paweł Adamowicz Award
18 October 2022
YEAs join EU beach clean-up activities in Albania
14 October 2022
EU4Youth Days at Europe House Tirana
14 October 2022
Culture Moves Europe call for artists
14 October 2022
2022 Enlargement Package: European Commission assesses reforms in the Western Balkans and Türkiye and recommends candidate status for Bosnia and Herzegovina
12 October 2022
EIB provides a €2 million technical assistance grant to support affordable housing in Tirana
7 October 2022
Regional closing conference on joint EU and CoE Horizontal Facility programme
7 October 2022
Young European Ambassador Daniela Kortoçi part of the Future is Heritage summit 2022
7 October 2022
Albania’s primary school children to benefit from a new joint project between the EU and the Ministry of Education
3 October 2022
EU Civil Society Survey for the Western Balkans and Turkey
28 September 2022
Screening of fundamentals cluster as part of negotiations process kicks off with Albania and North Macedonia
16 September 2022
State of the Union address 2022 by President Ursula von der Leyen
13 September 2022
Balkathon 3.0 winners announced
9 September 2022
Young European Ambassadors attend the Sarajevo Film festival
24 August 2022
YEAs play an active role in EXIT festival
12 August 2022
EU and EBRD support small businesses in Albania
12 August 2022
YEAs participate in ‘So Keres Europa?!’ forum in Tirana, Albania
8 August 2022
YEA joins Roma Holocaust Memorial Day
3 August 2022
YEAs meet Western Balkan Youth orchestra
25 July 2022
EU rolls out €21 million mobility scheme for culture professionals
25 July 2022
EU starts accession negotiations with Albania and North Macedonia
19 July 2022
Western Balkans Youth Orchestra Summer Tour 2022
19 July 2022
YEA at EXIT Festival in Novi Sad
18 July 2022
Conference in Belgrade on Western Balkans and European foreign and security policy
18 July 2022
CONNECTA “Technical Assistance for Smart and Sustainable Mobility” workshop
18 July 2022
Successful completion of the first cycle of the Superschools exchange scheme
18 July 2022
EU Commissioner Várhelyi visits EU-funded infrastructure project in Albania
15 July 2022
Support to media freedom and pluralism in the Western Balkans
8 July 2022
EU funds technical assistance for the Durrës wastewater management project in Albania
30 June 2022
ADRION Programme opens a new call for universities, research centres and business institutions
30 June 2022
Winners of the Regional Butterfly Innovation Award announced in Tirana
30 June 2022
EU launches new guidelines to support civil society in the Enlargement Region
30 June 2022
The EU and the Western Balkans strengthen ties in first ministerial meeting on culture
30 June 2022
Pride Month widely supported by YEAs across the region
28 June 2022
BIRN Albania calls for investigations on environmental issues
23 June 2022
Young European Ambassadors at Prespa Forum
23 June 2022
European Council adopts assistance measure for the Balkan Medical Task Force
23 June 2022
Final conference of Western Balkans Youth Lab project
21 June 2022
Europeans Making A Difference campaign launched
14 June 2022
European collaboration to boost media experimentation and innovation
14 June 2022
Western Balkans Road Summit organised in Tirana
14 June 2022
EU Western Balkans and Turkey Civil Society Forum concludes in Skopje
13 June 2022
YEA Open Days get underway across the Western Balkans
9 June 2022
Event shares initiatives to support connectivity and transport in the Western Balkans
8 June 2022
Regional conference on countering disinformation
8 June 2022
The New European Bauhaus Festival
8 June 2022
Civil Society Forum 2022
1 June 2022
New call for Young European Ambassadors is now open!
26 May 2022
EU supports culture in Western Balkans with €8 million initiative
26 May 2022
Winners of the 2022 “Most Roma Friendly Mayor” award announced
18 May 2022
2022 Young European Heritage Makers competition announced
18 May 2022
The coal regions programme launches exchanges between Western Balkans and EU
18 May 2022
7th Annual Forum of the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region
17 May 2022
RCC hosts Western Balkans ministerial conference on tourism development
13 May 2022
Balkathon 3.0 is on
13 May 2022
New deadline for EU Investigative Journalism Award for 2022
12 May 2022
YEAs at Europe Day in Brussels
10 May 2022
The Western Balkans celebrates Europe Day
10 May 2022
YEAs participate in European Forum of Young Leaders
6 May 2022
Balkan Trafik Festival brings WB culture to Brussels
6 May 2022
EU and Western Balkans partners join forces to tackle disinformation
6 May 2022
Media integrity in the age of disinformation
27 April 2022
WBF signs contracts with the winners of the first regional grant scheme
27 April 2022
Global Cultural Relations Programme participants announced
27 April 2022
New grants for civil society to strengthen participatory democracy
25 April 2022
YEAs in Albania meet Roma youth
15 April 2022
Open call for EU Investigative Journalism Award
15 April 2022
Western Balkans Fund announces 30 winning projects
7 April 2022
RCC launches Butterfly Innovation award
4 April 2022
“Block the Hatred. Share the Love!” campaign launched in Tirana
29 March 2022
New rural development support for Albania, North Macedonia and Serbia
29 March 2022
Seven days, 45 young people, 1,540 kilometres, seven cities
29 March 2022
Over 1,500 citizens participate in YEA street action on 8 March
21 March 2022
YEAs and US Youth Council Albania prepare initiative banning plastic bags
18 March 2022
High Representative/ Vice-President Josep Borrell in the Western Balkans
15 March 2022
RCC presents Regional Network of Women in Entrepreneurship
14 March 2022
International Women’s Day celebrated by YEAs all over the Western Balkans
11 March 2022
The Route WB6 volunteer caravan tours eight towns in the Western Balkans
11 March 2022
Green Skills Award 2022
11 March 2022
Award for the Most Roma-Friendly Mayor in the Western Balkans and Turkey
11 March 2022
Taskforce on disinformation about the war in Ukraine
11 March 2022
Commissioner Várhelyi attends Western Balkans Investment Summit 2022
1 March 2022
New master’s programmes join Erasmus Mundus catalogue
28 February 2022
Works begin on North Macedonia – Albania electricity transmission line
28 February 2022
European Commission launches €3.2 billion investment to advance sustainable connectivity in the Western Balkans
25 February 2022
Creative Europe launches 2022 call for European cooperation projects
21 February 2022
RYCO and EU celebrate successes of projects supported in Albania
21 February 2022
RCC launches Western Balkans Women Entrepreneurs of the Year award
21 February 2022
Winner announced of the YEA writing competition on EU values
17 February 2022
EU launches campaign on support to Albania’s agricultural sector
9 February 2022
€853 million of EIB investments in the Western Balkans in 2021
9 February 2022
RYCO announces final list of first Superschools
28 January 2022
€385.5 million from EU Solidarity Fund for COVID-19 health emergency
21 January 2022
European Year of Youth kicks off
17 January 2022
Creative Europe: €385 million in 2022 for cultural and creative sectors
17 January 2022
CEFTA Week 2021 held in North Macedonia
17 December 2021
EU publishes a new guide on cultural and creative sector funding
16 December 2021
YEA network presents at the RYCO volunteering conference
13 December 2021
Second regional thematic Youth Lab on mental health launches in Tirana
13 December 2021
EIB provides €80 million loan for water distribution in Tirana
13 December 2021
Erasmus+: €3.9 billion in 2022 for education, training, youth and sport
6 December 2021
European Union launches Global Team Europe Democracy initiative
6 December 2021
Global Gateway: up to €300 billion for sustainable links around the world
6 December 2021
Third regional forum on ending violence against women in the Western Balkans and Turkey
6 December 2021
Youth from EU and Western Balkans gather to discuss “What is Europe?”
30 November 2021
EU supports the civil society regional actions in the Western Balkans
23 November 2021
EU, EBRD and Austria donate trees for a greener Western Balkans region
17 November 2021
#TogetherIsPossible – second communication campaign for Western Balkans now live!
15 November 2021
€90 million in macro-financial assistance to Albania
12 November 2021
Writers from Western Balkans among laureates of EU prize for literature
12 November 2021
Welcome to the new Young European Ambassadors from the Western Balkans!
9 November 2021
WORTH II: Inspiring innovation through creative connections around Europe
5 November 2021
Western Balkans economies recover faster than expected
5 November 2021
EU and Germany support improvement of student dormitories in Albania
5 November 2021
Europe is Here 2.0: EU Delegation to Albania launches new campaign
1 November 2021
Regional news editors meet to discuss restoring trust in media
1 November 2021
BIRN publishes oral history videos with war survivors’ stories
1 November 2021
BIRN Albania trains students and young journalists on mobile journalism
25 October 2021
EC sets out reform priorities for the Western Balkans and Turkey
20 October 2021
Innovative digital solution products presented at the WB Digital Summit
18 October 2021
#ErasmusDays 2021: three days to learn everything about the programme
15 October 2021
Young European Ambassadors embrace green activism
15 October 2021
YEA “Voices from the Western Balkans” at EYE 2021
15 October 2021
Western Balkans Digital Summit opens in Podgorica
12 October 2021
EU supports helpline to safeguard children in Albania
11 October 2021
EU and Western Balkans launch a joint Innovation Agenda
11 October 2021
EU-Western Balkans meet in summit at Brdo pri Kranju – Sign Declaration
6 October 2021
Make your school a Superschool
5 October 2021
President von der Leyen wraps up Western Balkans visit
1 October 2021
Winners of the 2021 EU Award for Roma Integration in the Western Balkans and Turkey announced
29 September 2021
President Von der Leyen visits the Western Balkans
29 September 2021
EU supporting the Western Balkans to combat cross-border crime
29 September 2021
Italy to host EU-Balkan Youth Forum in November
29 September 2021
EU digital COVID certificate equivalence for Albania
23 September 2021
Working together to protect marine life: #EUBeachCleanup Albania
20 September 2021
€14.2 billion to help accession countries implementing EU-related reforms
16 September 2021
“The Future is on Tracks” Western Balkans Rail Summit
16 September 2021
EU award for investigative journalism in Albania
13 September 2021
Join the 2021 European Researchers’ Night
13 September 2021
EU-Western Balkans meeting on fight against firearms trafficking
9 September 2021
COVID-19: EU travel restrictions lifted for Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia
1 September 2021
Works start on electricity interconnector between Albania and North Macedonia
1 September 2021
Young European Ambassadors celebrate first birthday
25 August 2021
Youth from Western Balkans cooperate for peace
25 August 2021
Vote for the next group of Young European Ambassadors!
23 August 2021
Forest fires: The EU continues to mobilise assistance for the Western Balkans
12 August 2021
EU supports workshop on writing stories on war crime victims’ experiences
6 August 2021
EU expertise now available as TAIEX webinars
23 July 2021
Open call for youth exchange in Western Balkans
21 July 2021
Youth from Albania and North Macedonia break down prejudices
16 July 2021
EU allocates €13.5 million for civil society in the Western Balkans
13 July 2021
COVID-19: EU sends 200,000 vaccines to Albania and North Macedonia
13 July 2021
The deadline for a new call for Young European Ambassadors extended to 30 July
12 July 2021
YEAs go to EXIT Festival
12 July 2021
BIRN launches call for EU Investigative Journalism Award for 2021 in Albania
9 July 2021
New call for Albania-Montenegro cross-border projects
9 July 2021
Young people create regional youth agenda for the Western Balkans
9 July 2021
EU funded PowerUP programme announces winners of Western Balkan Excellence Award
6 July 2021
Berlin Summit: Western Balkans strengthen regional cooperation and foster closer ties with the EU
6 July 2021
The Western Balkans becomes a roaming free zone
1 July 2021
Western Balkans Youth Forum 2021 kicks off today!
29 June 2021
The pandemic reshapes TAIEX and Twinning
26 June 2021
EU adds Western Balkans countries on its “Green List”
24 June 2021
Commissioner Várhelyi at Tirana Summit with the Western Balkans leaders
11 June 2021
New call for Young European Ambassadors
9 June 2021
Political agreement on €14.2 billion Pre-Accession Assistance Instrument
4 June 2021
The RCC presents winners of the BALKATHON 2.0 competition
2 June 2021
Young designer from Albania wins Berlin Process logo competition
2 June 2021
Training programme for CSOs in the Western Balkans and Turkey
2 June 2021
Grants for promoting digital agenda for Western Balkan CSOs
28 May 2021
New call for cross border projects Albania-Kosovo
28 May 2021
Open call for storytelling workshop for young people
28 May 2021
Over €2 billion from EU to support culture, including Western Balkans
28 May 2021
EU invests an additional €40 million to help ease impact of COVID-19 crisis
20 May 2021
BIRN launches call for investigative stories in Albania
20 May 2021
ETF unveils Green Skills Awards finalists
20 May 2021
Authors from Albania and Serbia among winners of the EU Literature Prize
19 May 2021
Western Balkan Youth Talks: how can the EU connect better with youth?
11 May 2021
EU Cohesion policy: EUSAIR kicks-off its 6th Annual Forum
11 May 2021
#EuropeDay – the EU throws open its virtual doors!
7 May 2021
Commissioner Várhelyi travels to the Western Balkans as first EU funded vaccines arrive
3 May 2021
EU Open Data Days – Shaping our future with open data
30 April 2021
EU and EFSE unleash additional €40 million in response to the pandemic
30 April 2021
TAIEX flagship event: taking the European Green Deal beyond EU borders
29 April 2021
EU Prize for Literature announces 2021 shortlist
23 April 2021
The EU supports Western Balkans with a new project on prevention of radicalisation
23 April 2021
The EU and Austria secure COVID-19 vaccines for the Western Balkans
23 April 2021
EU helps an Albanian organic food store to improve sustainability
14 April 2021
The Power of a Hashtag – Online Youth Activism Event
13 April 2021
Balkan Trafik festival celebrates its 15th anniversary online
13 April 2021
EU disburses €90 million in macro-financial assistance to Albania
5 April 2021
Erasmus+ brings over €26.2 billion to support mobility and cooperation
31 March 2021
New Youth Newsroom for young journalists in South East Europe and Turkey
17 March 2021
Albania, Montenegro and Serbia set to benefit from additional support to fight pandemic
11 March 2021
EU donates CT scanner to Mother Theresa Hospital in Albania
10 March 2021
EFSE facilitates prizes and visibility for women entrepreneurs in tech
5 March 2021
EU and UN Women address the violence against women in the Western Balkans
5 March 2021
RCC webinars on tourism products for new markets
5 March 2021
RCC awards six innovative digital solution projects on tourism in the Western Balkans
2 March 2021
Skills gap growing in EU neighbourhood
24 February 2021
Young Albanian entrepreneur wins Mediterranean award
23 February 2021
RYCO and EU fund new projects in Albania
23 February 2021
European Research Council kicks off Horizon Europe for 2021
22 February 2021
EU supports vaccination efforts in the Western Balkans
19 February 2021
RYCO and EU fund new project in Montenegro
18 February 2021
Anniversary of “Together for Albania” International Donors Conference
18 February 2021
Migration: EU Commissioner Johansson in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Albania
16 February 2021
Applications now open for 2021 EU Award for Roma integration
8 February 2021
The EIB Group boosts financing for the Western Balkans in 2020
3 February 2021
EBRD and EU support improvements to Albania’s railways
3 February 2021
CEB supports employment in Albania
2 February 2021
EFSE supports the financing of small-scale farmers in Albania
1 February 2021
Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB) launches the 2021 Social Cohesion Award to recognise outstanding social action in Europe
22 January 2021
National civil society conference discusses the sector’s challenges in Albania
22 December 2020
The EU4Schools and EU4Culture programmes respond to the November 2019 earthquake in Albania
22 December 2020
The Regional Cooperation Council and UNDP launch Women’s Economic Empowerment Initiative
10 December 2020
EU Ambassador Soreca presents the EU Green Agenda for the Western Balkans
19 October 2020
EU launches €40 million programme to rebuild Albania’s cultural heritage after the earthquake
29 September 2020
Team Europe: fighting the pandemic and infodemic in the Western Balkans, including Albania
6 August 2020
EU approves €100 million for post-earthquake reconstruction in Albania
17 July 2020
Publications
EU Support to Roma Integration in the Western Balkans
Author: European Commission
Factsheets | Published in: 2023
This publication provides information on the EU support to Roma integration in the Western Balkans.
Download English version
2023 EU Award for Roma Integration in the Western Balkans and Turkey
Author: European Union
Factsheets | Published in: 2023
The EU Award for Roma Integration aims to support and recognise the initiative taken by private, public and civil society players to foster Roma employment. This publication provides rules and criteria for the 2023 EU Award for Roma Integration.
Key milestones
Swipe right
2009
AprilApplication for EU membership
Entry into force of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement
2010
DecemberEntry into force of visa liberalisation
2014
JuneEU candidate country status granted
2018
AprilCommission recommends opening of accession negotiations
2018
JuneThe Council sets out the path towards opening accession negotiations
2020
MarchEU decides to open accession negotiations
2020
JulyPresentation of the draft negotiating framework to the Member States
2022
JulyIntergovernmental Conference on accession negotiations (IGC)
Start of the screening process
Facts and figures
These infographics are based on latest available statistical data produced by Eurostat (2019).
POPULATION
2.8million
POPULATION DENSITY
99.1 (per km²)
FERTILITY RATE
1.37
LIFE EXPECTANCY
80.7
77.6
YOUNG PEOPLE (<15)
16.5%
(of total population)
PEOPLE WITH
TERTIARY EDUCATION
31.3 %
(of total population)
GDP
per capita: €4,610
IMPORTS OF GOODS
54%FROMEU
EXPORT OF GOODS
72%TOEU
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