EU for Municipalities Grant Scheme (EU4M)
Network of Associations of Local Authorities of South-East Europe (NALAS)
Co-PLAN
Institute for Habitat Development
Eco Partners for Sustainable Development
Association of Albanian Municipalities (AAM)
Albanian Association of Local Autonomy (AALA)
06.2021 - 11.2023
Overall Objective
EU for Municipalities project aims at fostering municipalities’ development potential and improving the socio-economic and environmental conditions of local communities in Albania.
Summary of the Project
EU for Municipalities is a new project funded by the European Union. It aims at fostering municipalities’ development potential and improving the socio-economic and environmental conditions of local communities in Albania via a grant scheme for Albanian municipalities and a targeted technical assistance component. As a result, the EU4M investment grants will tackle the fields of local public infrastructure and services, local economic development, innovation, job creation, environmental protection and youth empowerment.
The project will support municipalities in implementing their strategic development objectives and strategic development plans and strengthen municipal EU funding absorption capacities.
The project will address the main problems affecting the quality of life and economic prospects of the local communities by aligning them with European standards.
Activities
Output 1.1. EU4M Grant Scheme set up and operational
1.1.1. Preparation of EU4M Grant Scheme documentation;
1.1.2. Communication and visibility actions;
1.1.3. Launching of EU4M call for proposals;
1.1.4. Evaluation of applications for grants.
Output 1.2. Implementation and monitoring of EfMGS
1.2.1 Contracting and disbursement of EU4M;
1.2.2 Monitoring and evaluation of individual grants and overall grants scheme.
Output 2.1. Assistance during Preparatory Phase – Identification of Project Ideas
2.1.1. Connect EU coordinators’ network with other similar networks in SEE;
2.1.2. Best practices from WB6 and EU member states inspiring innovative project ideas.
Output 2.2. Assistance during Preparatory Phase – Development of Applications
2.2.1. Technical Assistance to municipalities in developing their applications for EU4M.
Output 2.3. Capacity Development Measures in Project Implementation Phase.
2.3.1 On-the-job counselling / coaching for small municipalities and regional capacity development measures in grant management;
2.3.2 Elaboration of example-based Comprehensive Guidebook on EU project management and procurement procedures and Manual on Implementation and Monitoring;
2.3.3 EU and SEE Municipal infrastructure project best practice catalogue/database.
Results
- Environmental and socio-economic conditions of the local communities are improved and development potentials of Municipalities are increased;
- Municipalities are supported in implementing their strategic development objectives and strategic plans via investment grants;
- EU funding absorption capacities of local governments strengthened.
