The final stop of the CEI-EBRD Roadshow in the Western Balkans took place in Tirana on 8 May 2025.
The CEI, the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI), and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) jointly presented the results and impact of operations supported by the CEI Fund at the EBRD in Albania.
Entirely financed by Italy, the Fund has played a significant role in supporting the country’s reform path and EU integration efforts with 14 million euros allocated for 119 projects.
The opening remarks were delivered by Marco Alberti, Ambassador of Italy to Albania; Sem Fabrizi, CEI National Coordinator for Italy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI); and Olta Manjani, Deputy Minister at the Ministry of Economy, Culture and Innovation of Albania. All speakers underlined the importance of technical cooperation and capacity building in supporting Albania’s economic transition and EU integration path.
The event featured a presentation of the CEI-EBRD cooperation portfolio in Albania, with contributions from Ekaterina Solovova, Head of the EBRD Resident Office in Tirana, and Alessandro Grillo, Head of Corporate & SME Division at Intesa Sanpaolo Bank Albania. They illustrated key achievements of ongoing TC projects, particularly those focused on sectors of transport, energy, SME development and public administration.
Participants also included representatives from government institutions, the private sector, and civil society, many of whom have benefited from CEI Fund-supported initiatives, particularly under the Technical Cooperation Programme and the Know-how Exchange Programme. This strongly highlighted the impact of Italian-funded cooperation initiatives aimed at fostering sustainable development and regional integration.
The concluding remarks were delivered by Antonela Dhimolea, CEI National Coordinator at the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania, who reaffirmed Albania’s strong partnership with the CEI and the EBRD, and expressed appreciation for Italy’s long-standing support as the sole donor to the CEI Fund at the EBRD.
The event - part of a regional roadshow across CEI Fund beneficiary countries - aimed to highlight the shared commitment of Italy, the CEI, MAECI and the EBRD to sustainable development and enhanced regional cooperation.
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