The Multi-Donor Action “EU for Food Safety” (EU4FS) is jointly co-financed by the European Union (EU) and the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by GIZ as part of the BMZ programme “Socio-ecological economic transformation in Albania”.
The Action aims to support Albania’s ambition to fulfil Chapter 12 on food safety and directly contributes to meeting EU integration benchmarks. With targeted Team Europe support, this initiative has the potential to become a benchmark for a modern food control and consumer information system in the Western Balkans and serve as a front-runner project within the Berlin Process.
The Action will support the alignment of Albania’s food safety system with the EU acquis by strengthening legislation, institutional coordination, inspection systems, and laboratory capacities in line with EU standards. The intervention aims to improve the effectiveness of official food controls across the country, strengthening cooperation among competent authorities, and enhancing transparency and consumer information to help ensure that food placed on the market is safer and more reliable for consumers.
Particular attention will be given to strengthening the capacities of competent authorities and laboratory networks, including border inspection points. The intervention will support the development and implementation of standard operating procedures, control plans, and technical methodologies aligned with EU requirements. Support will also be provided to food production establishments in preparing for compliance with EU food safety standards and requirements.
By doing so, the Action is expected to contribute to safer and more reliable food for consumers in Albania, while improving transparency, consumer confidence, and public health protection. At the same time, it will support Albania’s progress towards EU accession and the establishment of a more modern and effective food safety system.
