Albania has been working towards European Union (EU) integration since the early 2000s, making significant progress. The formal start of accession negotiations began with the first Inter-Governmental Conference in July 2022, followed by a screening process from September 2022 to November 2023. The EU has been crucial in supporting Albania’s accession efforts, offering assistance through the 2021-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework. Trade between Albania and the EU highlights the importance of their partnership. In 2022, the EU accounted for 59% of Albania’s total trade, with 73% of exports and 52% of imports going to EU countries. Despite COVID-19 challenges, trade saw a 19% increase, showcasing a strong recovery. The EU supports Albania beyond trade through the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA), providing financial aid to help align with EU standards and policies. Programs like the Macro-Financial Assistance (MFA) and the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) support economic stability and infrastructure development.

However, Albania faces challenges in fully utilizing EU programs and funding due to a lack of awareness and low research capacity. SANECA II project aims to map EU programs and funds relevant to Albania and provide training for private sector stakeholders and civil society. This initiative seeks to increase involvement in Albania’s EU accession process, improve competitiveness, and facilitate integration into the EU Single Market.

2. SUBJECT

This assignment encompasses activities aimed at enhancing the engagement and capacity of private sector stakeholders and civil society stakeholders in Albania.

The focus is on utilizing EU programmes and funds related to the Internal Market Cluster and Chapter 20 of the accession negotiations. The primary aim is to increase the involvement and effectiveness of these stakeholders in accessing and leveraging EU programmes and funds. By enhancing their knowledge, skills, and engagement, the goal is to contribute to Albania’s progress in EU accession negotiations and economic development.

The anticipated assignment encompasses multifaceted responsibilities:

Research methodology and mapping of EU funding programmes and instruments relevant to the areas covered by the Internal Market Cluster and Chapter 20

Matching identified programs with relevant groups from private sector stakeholders to ensure that knowledge is passed on to target groups according to relevance.

Strategic approach to engage private sector stakeholders in capacity building trainings related to access in EU funding programmes.

Design and delivery of effective trainings for target groups with basic knowledge about EU, processes, funding programs and instruments and cycles.

3.    ELIGIBILITY

Eligibility for this call is extended to legal and consulting companies established in Albania.

To participate, entities must fulfil the following criteria:

Established Legal Presence: Entities should possess a well-founded and active legal presence within Albania.

Financial Capability: Interested parties must demonstrate an average annual turnover of at least 50,000 EUR over the last three financial years.

Workforce Capacity: Companies must maintain a consistent workforce of an average of at least 5 employees over the preceding three financial years.

Proven Expertise: Showcase a robust portfolio of a minimum of 2 reference projects exemplifying analyses conducted with regards to Internal Market, business-focused workshops/training. Notably, 2 of these projects should have been executed in Albania.

All legal entities interested in the application process should ask for application forms to the address: [email protected]

4.    DEADLINE

The due date for submitting the application is Date 30.07.2024.

The documents should be submitted in pdf format via e-mail to [email protected] with subject “83469447 – Mapping IMC “.

Expressions of interest and relevant questions can be addressed to [email protected] till 25.07.2024.

After the due date for submitting the application, the process of prequalification will follow. The submitted applications will be evaluated, and only prequalified candidates will be invited to answer the bid. All written communication for this procedure and the following successful ones must be in English.