Albania - June 2024

In July, the Agriculture Ministry informed parliament that EU pre-accession agricultural support funds were suspended indefinitely. The current suspension comes after the European Union Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) revealed that EUR 33 million from Pre-Accession Assistance for Rural Development (IPARD) II had been misused. Funds had been initially suspended in 2023, when corruption was suspected. Irregularities included manipulated tenders, inflated prices, and contractual breaches. OLAF recommended that the EU blocks EUR 112 million planned for IPARD III. In response, MP Agron Shehaj summoned Agriculture Minister Anila Denaj to parliament to address these findings. Authorities in Tirana have not provided a timeline for reopening the funds, with the Minister stating that IPARD III will resume once Albania proves it can handle EU funds responsibly. This scandal sparked controversy over the misuse of EU funds for farmers, one of the labour market's most vulnerable groups, and raised concerns about future funding prospects and the country's credibility as an EU candidate.

Sources: European Union Anti-Fraud Office, Top Channel, Balkan Insight, Tirana Times, Reporter, International IDEA