EU for Circular Economy and Green Growth – support to the transition of Albania towards a circular economy
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH (GIZ)
01.10.2023-31.05.2027
Overall Objective
The overall objective of the Action is to contribute to improving the protection of the environment and developing circular economy and sustainable green growth in Albania. The Action supports the Government of Albania (GoA) in achieving key objectives in the field of environmental protection and economic green growth, namely, to accelerate the transformation to a circular economy, improving energy efficiency, contribute to job creation and improving citizens’ health.
Summary of the Project
The project will support the transition towards a circular economy and green growth in Albania by an improved regulatory framework, by institutional capacities strengthened and green business models provided.
Activities
Indicative list of key activities
Output 1
1.1 Establish Sector SWOT analysis / baseline and gender analysis / gender agenda
1.2 Draft EU-compliant laws and by-laws
1.3 Develop or update Directive Specific Implementation Plans (DSIPs)
1.4 Develop a Waste prevention programme, a Roadmap on CE & GG, a Hazardous Waste Management Plan (HWMP).
1.5 Develop an upscaling concept for CE-oriented measures in the waste sector.
1.6 Assist MoTE on establishing a financing mechanism for CE oriented municipal measures in the waste sector.
1.7 Assist relevant beneficiaries (ASPA, universities, MoTE) for implementing training modules and campaigns on CE.
Output 2
2.1 Develop waste management authorities’ capacities on applying CE&GG and waste management legislation, gender sensitive data collection, monitoring and legislation enforcement.
2.2 Provide IT equipment, software and hardware and connect system to AKSHI- platform.
2.3 Provide technical assistance to NEA on professionalisation of digital data management for reporting.
2.4 Strengthen NEA’s licensing and inspection processes.
Output 3
3.1 Draft EPR secondary legislation for the special waste streams (Packaging, WEEE, Batteries and Batteries and Accumulators)
3.2 Organise multi-stakeholder workshops for designing EPR schemes
3.3 Develop procedures and guidelines for implementing and monitoring EPR schemes and introduce economic instruments to support waste reduction and separation.
3.4 Establish 3 PROs.
Output 4
4.1 Implement 10 CE measures in 15 partner municipalities (composting, MRF)
4.2 Evaluate and document procedures and results for upscaling concept
4.3 Consult municipalities on applying for subsidies for the introduction of CE measures.
4.4 Organise systematic exchange between municipalities and recycling companies.
Output 5
5.1 Analyse potential of the private sector with regard to demand-driven CE activities.
5.2 Organise exchange formats between the public sector and the private sector with regard to GG and green technologies in the waste sector.
5.3 Establish digital platform providing information to the private sector on sustainable business models for CE.
5.4 Organise Ideas contest / call for proposals / future workshop for generating innovative ideas on sustainable green production
5.5 Establish and manage green incubator for SME
5.6 Establish and manage grant schemes for pilot activities to different entities with special focus on gender responsive CE&GG measures
5.7 Organise business coaching for sustainable business models
5.8 Develop Green Jobs Masterplan
Expected Results
To further align and enforce the waste legislation with EU acquis and enable the implementation of CE (Specific Objective 1 of the EU Action Document) Output 1 will improve the regulatory framework for waste management and CE&GG in line with EU acquis and policy documents, and develop a Hazardous Waste Management Plan (HWMP).. Output 2 aims at capacity development (CD) of waste management authorities at the national and the local level. Actors at central level will be trained to implement, monitor and enforce waste management legislation and CE&GG policies and to improve the harmonization with other national agencies and the reporting to all relevant stakeholders. Furthermore, the Action seeks to establish the Extended Producer Responsibility System (EPR) for specific waste streams (Specific Objective 2 of the EU Action Document). IT equipment, software and hardware will be provided and be connected to AKSHI- platform. Output 3 aims at establishing and enforcing a legal system for implementing EPR schemes for at least three special waste streams. A regulatory framework and financial environment will
be developed that steer towards sustainable production and consumption patterns. Technical support will provide the necessary legal acts, structures, like Producer Responsible Organisations (PRO), procedures, templates and guidelines for the private sector.
An important focus of the Action is to improve resource efficiency, eco-designing and greening of production (Specific Objective 3 of the EU Action Document). Output 4 aims at implementing CE measures for waste management services at local level. 10 partner municipalities will be supported in establishing and improving recycling measures like composting centres and Material Recovery Facilities. Output 5 aims at providing support for business, non-profit organisations and research capacities to develop innovative and gender responsive green products, services and circular business models. This includes a sub-granting scheme that will support small and medium enterprises, environmental civil society organisations (CSO), universities and researchers to develop innovative green products, services and business models which decouple economic growth from intensive virgin material consumption and will stimulate green job creation
