Cross-border programme 2021-2027 Albania and Kosovo, 1st call for proposals

The Cross-border Cooperation Programme Albania – Kosovo (2021–2027) is a significant EU funding opportunity with a total budget of 5,280,000 EUR, aimed at fostering collaboration between Albania and Kosovo. This program is funded through the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance and is specifically designed for non-profit-making entities, including non-governmental organizations and public bodies that are effectively established in either Albania or Kosovo.

Eligible applicants must form consortiums that include a lead applicant and co-applicants from both countries to ensure genuine cross-border cooperation. The program targets two main thematic areas: environmental protection, climate change adaptation, and tourism and cultural heritage. The funding is structured into two lots; Lot 1 for environmental programs has an allocation of 3,240,000 EUR with grant sizes ranging from 700,000 to 1,080,000 EUR, while Lot 2 for tourism and cultural heritage has 2,040,000 EUR with grant sizes from 300,000 to 510,000 EUR.

The application process is open, with a deadline for concept note submissions set for October 24, 2025. This process consists of two application stages: first, submitting a concept note and, upon a successful review, moving to a full application. Although the specific success rates and co-funding requirements are not mentioned, it is common for EU grants to have co-funding obligations.

Overall, this program aims to address development challenges in regions that share borders, leveraging both environmental and cultural resources to promote sustainable economic opportunities and foster stronger ties between Albania and Kosovo.

The European Commission is offering an Action Grant under the Cross-border programme 2021-2027 Albania and Kosovo, 1st call for proposals with reference number EuropeAid/184245/DD/ACT/AL.

The funding is provided through the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance. The geographical zone for this call is Albania.

The total budget allocated to this call for proposals is 5,280,000 EUR.

The call was published on 09/09/2025 and updated on 09/09/2025. The deadline for submission is 24/10/2025.

The following documents are available for download:

Application form_Full Application (EN, 09 September 2025)
Application form_Concept Note (EN, 09 September 2025)
Guidelines for grant applicants (EN, 09 September 2025)
Annex D - Identification Form (public law body) (EN, 09 September 2025)
Annex C - Logical framework (EN, 09 September 2025)
Annex B - Budget (EN, 09 September 2025)
Annex D - Identification Form (private or public with legal form) (EN, 09 September 2025)
Annex H - Declaration of honour on exclusion and selection criteria (EN, 09 September 2025)
Annex L - Self-evaluation questionnaire on SEA-H (EN, 09 September 2025)

The Cross-border programme 2021-2027 Albania and Kosovo, 1st call for proposals, is an Action Grant initiative focused on Albania, funded by the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance. With a budget of 5,280,000 EUR, this call aims to support projects that foster collaboration and development between Albania and Kosovo. The call was announced and updated on September 9, 2025, with a submission deadline of October 24, 2025. Interested applicants should consult the provided documents, including application forms, guidelines, and annexes related to identification, logical framework, budget, declaration of honor, and self-evaluation. This grant represents an opportunity for organizations to contribute to cross-border cooperation and regional development in the Albania-Kosovo region.

Eligible Applicant Types: The eligible applicant types are not explicitly stated in the provided text. However, the inclusion of "Annex D - Identification Form (public law body)" and "Annex D - Identification Form (private or public with legal form)" suggests that both public and private entities with legal forms are eligible. Further details would be needed to specify if other types of organizations, such as NGOs or international organizations, are also eligible.

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 guidelines for grant applicants should be consulted to determine if a consortium is necessary or if single applicants are permitted.

Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility): The geographical zone for this program is Albania and Kosovo, as indicated by the title "Cross-border programme 2021-2027 Albania and Kosovo, 1st call for proposals". The Programme Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance also suggests that the program is targeted towards countries preparing for EU membership.

Target Sector: The target sector is not explicitly mentioned in the provided text. Further details from the call for proposals or guidelines are needed to determine the specific thematic or industry sectors targeted by this program.

Mentioned Countries: Albania, Kosovo.

Project Stage: The project stage is not explicitly mentioned in the provided text. Further details from the call for proposals or guidelines are needed to determine the expected maturity of the project.

Funding Amount: The budget for this call for proposals is 5,280,000 EUR.

Application Type: The application type is an open call, as indicated by "1st call for proposals" and "Open For Submission".

Nature of Support: The beneficiaries will receive money in the form of action grants.

Application Stages: The application process appears to involve at least two stages, as there are separate application forms for a "Concept Note" and a "Full Application". This suggests a two-stage application process where applicants first submit a concept note, and if successful, are invited to submit a full application.

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

Co-funding Requirement: The co-funding requirement is not mentioned in the provided text. The guidelines for grant applicants should be consulted to determine if co-funding is required.

Summary:

This opportunity is a call for proposals under the Cross-border programme 2021-2027 between Albania and Kosovo, funded by the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA). It offers action grants with a total budget of 5,280,000 EUR. The call is open for submission with a deadline of October 24, 2025. Eligible applicants appear to include both public and private entities with a legal form, although the specific eligibility criteria should be confirmed in the guidelines for grant applicants. The application process involves at least two stages: submission of a concept note followed by a full application. The specific thematic areas or sectors targeted by the program, the required project stage, whether consortia are required, the success rates, and any co-funding requirements are not detailed in the provided text and should be verified in the official call documents, including the guidelines for grant applicants. In essence, this is a funding opportunity for projects that will benefit both Albania and Kosovo, supporting their pre-accession efforts through action-oriented grants.