Cross-Border Cooperation Programme Montenegro-Albania for 2021-2027 (Budget lines IPA 2022 and 2025)

The Cross-Border Cooperation Programme Montenegro-Albania for 2021-2027 operates under the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA III). The programme has a total budget of €13,790,000 for the duration, with a specific allocation of €7,480,000 available for the call scheduled from 2022 and 2025. It focuses on enhancing cooperation between organizations in Montenegro and Albania, with a deadline for submission on October 31, 2025.

Eligible applicants include local and regional authorities, public institutions, civil society organizations, small and medium enterprises (especially in tourism), and other relevant organizations from the designated cross-border areas. The funding type is primarily through grants to support cross-border cooperation initiatives, ensuring direct financial assistance for project implementation.

The programme mandates consortium arrangements, requiring collaboration between partners from both countries to promote joint initiatives. The geographic eligibility is strictly limited to specified border regions, covering 14 municipalities in Montenegro and several regions in Albania. The target sectors include tourism, environmental protection, and cultural heritage, aiming to foster sustainable economic development while preserving cultural and natural resources.

The projects eligible for funding can range from initial development stages to full implementation, emphasizing ongoing support for both mature and developing ideas. All funded projects must demonstrate cross-border cooperation and the ability to address common challenges faced by the regions involved.

The application process is open, allowing interested organizations from the mentioned areas to submit proposals within the specified timeframe. Co-funding is required from national sources or beneficiaries, reflecting the commitment to sustainability and shared ownership of outcomes. Detailed guidelines for grant applicants provide essential information on the application stages and evaluation criteria, which is crucial for potential applicants seeking to engage in this collaborative effort.

Overall, this programme aims to create lasting partnerships between Montenegro and Albania, enhancing their alignment with European Union objectives and fostering regional development through cross-border cooperation initiatives.

Cross-Border Cooperation Programme Montenegro-Albania for 2021-2027 (Budget lines IPA 2022 and 2025)

Reference number: EuropeAid/184545/ID/ACT/Multi

The funding type is Action Grants.

The Programme Instrument is the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance.

The Geographical Zone is the Pre-accession Region.

The budget is 7,480,000 EUR.

Published on 16/09/2025.

Updated on 16/09/2025.

The deadline for submission is 31/10/2025.

Documents to be completed are available in English (EN) and were published on 16 September 2025.

Documents for information are available in English (EN) and were published on 16 September 2025.

Guidelines for grant applicants are available in English (EN) and were published on 16 September 2025.

This opportunity is a call for proposals under the Cross-Border Cooperation Programme between Montenegro and Albania for the period 2021-2027, specifically utilizing budget lines from the IPA (Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance) for the years 2022 and 2025. The reference number for this call is EuropeAid/184545/ID/ACT/Multi. The funding mechanism is through action grants, with a total budget of 7,480,000 EUR allocated to this call. The geographical focus is the pre-accession region, indicating that the projects should benefit areas within Montenegro and Albania that are preparing for potential EU membership. The call was published and updated on September 16, 2025, and the deadline for submitting proposals is October 31, 2025. Essential documents for applicants, including those to be completed and guidelines, are available in English and were released on the same date as the call publication.

Eligible Applicant Types: The provided text does not explicitly list eligible applicant types. However, given that it is a Cross-Border Cooperation Programme under the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA), eligible applicants are likely to be organizations (including NGOs, public institutions, local authorities, etc.) from Montenegro and Albania. Further details would be available in the "Guidelines for grant applicants" document.

Funding Type: The funding type is Action Grants.

Consortium Requirement: The text does not explicitly state whether a single applicant or a consortium is required. The "Cross-Border Cooperation Programme" title suggests that projects involving partners from both Montenegro and Albania are favored, implying that a consortium might be beneficial or even required. The "Guidelines for grant applicants" document will provide definitive information.

Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility): The geographic eligibility is focused on the Pre-accession Region, specifically Montenegro and Albania, as indicated by the "Cross-Border Cooperation Programme Montenegro-Albania".

Target Sector: The text does not explicitly mention any target sectors. The specific sectors targeted would be detailed in the "Guidelines for grant applicants" document. Cross-border cooperation programs often target sectors like sustainable tourism, environmental protection, economic development, and social inclusion, but this is speculative without further information.

Mentioned Countries: Montenegro, Albania.

Project Stage: The text does not specify the expected maturity of the project. The "Guidelines for grant applicants" document would provide information on the types of activities and project stages that are eligible for funding.

Funding Amount: The budget is 7,480,000 EUR. It is not clear if this is the total budget for the entire program or the budget available for this specific call. The "Guidelines for grant applicants" document would specify the maximum grant size and co-funding requirements, if any.

Application Type: The application type is an open call, as indicated by "Open For Submission".

Nature of Support: The beneficiaries will receive money, as it is an Action Grant.

Application Stages: The number of application stages is not specified in the provided text. The "Guidelines for grant applicants" document would outline the application and selection process, including the number of stages.

Success Rates: The success rates are not mentioned in the provided text.

Co-funding Requirement: The text does not specify whether co-funding is required. The "Guidelines for grant applicants" document would provide information on co-funding requirements.

Summary:

This is an open call for Action Grants under the Cross-Border Cooperation Programme Montenegro-Albania for 2021-2027, funded by the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA). The total budget available is 7,480,000 EUR. The program aims to foster cooperation between organizations in Montenegro and Albania. The call is open for submission until October 31, 2025. Interested applicants should consult the "Guidelines for grant applicants" document for detailed information on eligible activities, application procedures, evaluation criteria, and any co-funding requirements. The specific thematic or industry sectors targeted by this program are not mentioned in the provided text, but they are likely to be detailed in the guidelines. The program is managed by the Directorate-General for Research and Innovation of the European Commission.