43 new projects approved under the Interreg IPA South Adriatic program

The list of approved standard projects can be downloaded here: https://www.italy-albania-montenegro.eu/sites/default/files/inline-files/Annex B Standard Call_Ranking List_1.pdf  

These projects, with a total value of EUR 41 million, will strengthen cooperation between the two Adriatic coasts, connecting the Italian regions of Puglia and Molise, Albania and Montenegro. The approved projects, involving 223 beneficiaries from the programme area, will focus on key areas such as climate change adaptation, circular economy, natural resource management, sustainable economic development, innovation and skills development.

Out of the 43 approved projects, 10 belong to the SMART priority area, and are aimed at improving the conditions for the growth and competitiveness of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), primarily addressing topics such as sustainable blue economy, energy transition, SME development and digitalisation.

The largest number of projects, 16 in total, were approved in the GREEN priority area, which includes their focus on climate change adaptation and risk prevention, biodiversity, pollution reduction and energy efficiency. Some of the key issues that these projects will address include disaster management, the use of artificial intelligence for environmental monitoring, reducing marine pollution and preventing forest fires.

Within the priority area CONNECTED, 6 projects were approved, aiming to develop sustainable, resilient and intermodal mobility, as well as to improve access to the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T).

 

Finally, within the priority area SOCIAL, 11 projects were supported, partly focused on improving cross-border skills and training, while the other part focused on inclusive tourism, and strengthening the role of culture and tourism in economic development and social innovation.

 

The projects were approved by the Monitoring Committee of the Interreg IPA South Adriatic Programme, co-chaired by the Managing Authority and representatives of the three countries – Italy, Albania and Montenegro, as well as the European Commission.

“The Puglia Region plays a leading role in this call,” said Alessandro Deli Noci, Regional Minister for Economic Development. “More than 65 beneficiaries from Puglia are involved in the approved projects, of which 30 are the project leaders, with a total budget of close to 20 million euros. Puglia is increasingly investing in its international development path, supporting the EU accession process of Albania and Montenegro, with whom we continuously cooperate to build cohesion policies that respond to the real needs of citizens, young people and businesses.”

 

“We focused on quality,” emphasized Claudio Polignano, Head of the Programme’s Managing Authority, “both in the eligibility check and in the qualitative evaluation of project proposals, carried out through a thorough cross-checking process by the Joint Programme Secretariat. In the qualitative analysis, we paid great attention to the innovativeness of the proposals, their feasibility, territorial impact, partnership structure and long-term sustainability.”

"Albania's next step towards strengthening regional cooperation and harmonization with EU standards is reflected in the implementation of new projects under the IPA South Adriatic Programme," said Eridana Ćano, Head of the State Agency for Strategic Programming and Coordination of the Republic of Albania (SASPAC). "The investment of 13 million euros is not only a sign of the European Union's support for our country, but also a testament to its continued commitment to implementing reforms in Albania and improving the quality of life of all our citizens."

 

"We are proud that 49 Montenegrin beneficiaries will participate in innovative cross-border projects that will contribute to a smarter, greener, more connected and socially empowered South Adriatic region," said Miloš Marković, Director General of the Directorate for European Territorial Cooperation at the Ministry of European Affairs of Montenegro. “Over 13 million euros of support has been allocated to institutions and organizations from Montenegro, which will have a positive impact across our country, through joint efforts with partners from Italy and Albania. We wish all partners success in implementing the projects and look forward to concrete improvements in the quality of life of our citizens.”

In order to strengthen the spirit of cooperation and shared ambition, the official hashtag #inspiredbythesea has been launched, symbolizing the collective commitment to the development of the South Adriatic area. The hashtag will follow the implementation of all approved projects, serving as a recognizable brand of the community of projects of this program.

The lead partners of the conditionally approved projects will soon be officially notified by the Managing Authority, with detailed information on the instructions for the negotiation phase.