IPA supports cross border cooperation (CBC) with 30 million EUR which address cross border activities between Albania and EU Member States, and between Albania and candidate and potential candidate countries.
Overall objective of CBC Programmes is \\\'Strengthening cross border cooperation through common local and regional initiatives by combining foreign assistance objectives to the economic and social cohesion objectives\\\'. Specific objectives envisaged under the implementation of CBC programmes offered to Albania by the EU are:
• Enhance economic and social development in border areas.
• Address common challenges in areas such as environment, natural and cultural heritage, public health, prevention and fight against organized crime
• Secure borders
• promote joint activities involving partners and border regions
• Encourage enterprises, in particular development of SME, tourism, culture and cross-border trade
• Foster and improve joint protection and management of natural and cultural resources, as well as prevent technological and natural risks
• Support networks between urban and rural areas
• Reduce isolation level between improved transport networks, communication and services networks, cross-border waters, energy systems and waste management etc.
• Develop cooperation in sectors such as health, culture, tourism and education.
• Encourage administrative and legal cooperation
• Stimulate the integration of cross-border labour markets, joint labour initiatives, gender equality, social inclusion etc.
For 2007-2009, 26.6 million EUR are allocated for these programmes (listed below). Funds of cooperation programmes with EU member States are fixed, whereas cooperation funds with non-EU member States are indicative and should be designed by the countries involved in each programme. Furthermore, funds available for this strand could be used for the participation of Albania in transnational programmes designed for member States which with their consent can invite other countries to participate with full rights in these programmes. Under the cross-border cooperation programmes offered by IPA Component II, Albania participates in the following programmes:
Cross-Border Cooperation
