Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA) Multi-annual Indicative Planning Document (MIPD) 2011-2013. Albania

Abstract

The purpose of this Multi-Annual Indicative Planning Document (MIPD) is to set out the EU's priorities for assistance to Albania for the programming period 2011-2013. The MIPDs are based on the needs identified in the European Partnership1 of the country as well as the Opinion on Albania's application (adopted on 9 November 2010 as part of the Enlargement Package) and with the country's own strategies. The Government of Albania, local stakeholders, EU Member States and other donors have all been consulted in the design of this MIPD. The Commission has taken a number of steps to enhance the strategic nature of this process over the last few years and to strengthen the link between the priorities established in the Enlargement Package and the programming of assistance. To better illustrate this focus, and to strengthen ownership by the beneficiary countries, the Commission will increasingly use a more sector-based2 logic in its planning of pre-accession assistance. To increase the impact of IPA assistance and to give greater focus to achievable results, the Commission has decided to concentrate its efforts on targeted sectors. A sector approach should facilitate cooperation among donors and beneficiaries, where possible under the lead of the national authorities, eliminating duplication of efforts and leading to greater efficiency and effectiveness. This in turn should allow all stakeholders to focus increasingly on the impact of our combined efforts. To date, the number of fully fledged sector programmes developed by the IPA beneficiary countries is limited. Nonetheless, by beginning to focus increasingly on priority sectors now, the Commission can better support the development of such programmes on which the EU and other donor assistance can then be based.