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EU launches new project: EU for Circular Economy
With the aim of advancing Albania’s environmental sustainability, the European Union and the French Development Agency launched on Monday, 25 September, the “EU for Circular Economy and Green Growth—Waste Infrastructure in Albania” project. The EU grant, which amounts to EUR 19 million, will be implemented by AFD. The project’s objective is to address the detrimental environmental and health consequences resulting from solid waste in the Kukës and Gjirokastra waste regions. It aims to enhance the quality of life for the 190,000 residents in the Kukës and Gjirokastra regions.
In a joint ceremony, Minister of Tourism and Environment Ms Mirela Kumbaro, the French Minister Delegate in charge of Foreign Trade, Economic Attractiveness and the French Nationals Abroad Mr Olivier Becht, French Ambassador to Albania Ms Catherine Suard, Ambassador Luigi Soreca, Chargé d’affaires a.i., EU Delegation to Albania, and AFD Director for Western Balkans Region Mr Arnaud Dauphin officially launched this new project. Chargé d’affaires, Ambassador Luigi Soreca, emphasized: “Protecting the environment is a top priority for the EU, and I am very happy to launch EU’s first ever circular economy program in the region. Now that we have entered the accession negotiation process, Albania will need to significantly accelerate all efforts to implement EU environmental standards, and this is also one of the objectives of this project”.
Project activities include a range of strategies, such as intensifying recycling initiatives to diminish waste volumes and constructing contemporary waste facilities and landfills in line with EU standards. These measures are specifically designed to curtail pollution levels and minimize greenhouse gas emissions. The project will aid Albania’s alignment with EU standards, a key step on its journey towards EU membership. This project is an integral part of the broader EUR 30.9 million “EU for Circular Economy and Green Growth” programme for Albania.
Photo credits: EU Delegation Albania
Source: EU Delegation Albania
