Call for expression of interest addressed to local government units (municipalities) in the eligible area of the IPA CBC programme North Macedonia – Albania 2014-2020 to participate in the “Municipality Support Programme”.

In the frame of this CBC Programme, both OSs announced the call for expression of interest to Municipalities within the eligible area of the Programme titled “Participation in the Municipality Support Programme” of the IPA CBC Programme North Macedonia-Albania 2014-2020”. This Call for expression of interest is addressed to all LGUs within the programme eligible area. Such participation aims to contribute to strengthening the capacity of municipalities to prepare and implement expected quality cross-border projects, as well as to establish partnerships with the municipalities in the programme eligible area. This will jointly expose the experience in designing and implementing CBC projects funded by the EU. The Call for expression of interest and the Expression of interest template had been addressed to all the LGUs from the programme eligible area and posted on the official websites of the OSs and of the programme on 23rd of November 2021. The deadline to submit the expression of interest was 31 December 2021. The interest shown was high determined by the number letters for expressing the interest.

Call for engaging two Experts to develop the “Municipality Support Programme” under the IPA CBC programme North Macedonia – Albania 2014-2020

Both OSs announced the vacancy for hiring two (2) Experts to develop the “Municipality Support Programme”, under the current Technical Assistance of the IPA 2014-2020 Cross-Border Cooperation Programme between the Republic of North Macedonia and Republic of Albania. The Experts will be hired under this TA with a role in aiding the municipalities in the CBC Programme eligible area in design, preparation, and implementation of CBC projects. The focus of this activity will be directly supporting municipalities in the CBC programme area to be awarded with a contract under the call for proposals. The application procedure was distributed to all interested candidates and stakeholders according the JTS database. The application procedure was also posted on the official websites of the OSs and of the programme, with a 30 November 2021 deadline. There had been submitted a total of 16 applications together with the supporting documents as asked in the ToRs and announcement within the given deadline. The evaluation committee had selected and signed contracts with two Experts and the activity is ongoing.

Visibility show: “Past. Tradition. Future. The Way We Interact”.

“Past. Tradition. Future. The Way We Interact” was the title of the 7th celebration of the European Territorial Cooperation Day, which took place on October 21, 2021 at the Main Pedestrian Street in Korça, Albania.

This visibility event was organized by the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs in Albania in cooperation with the Ministry of Local Self-Government in North Macedonia, as the operation structures responsible for the implementation of the IPA Cross-Border Cooperation Programme between Republic of North Macedonia and Republic of Albania, supported by the JTS of the programme.

The event involved a mix of activities such as EU Ambassadors exchange conversation with journalists from both countries, greeting speeches by high officials, traditional dances, gastronomy, handcrafts, fashion, presentation of the projects under implementation all together.

This event united more than 150 participants from various profiles professionals in the field of tourism, representatives of the NGO sector, local government, business sector, artisans from both countries, as well as

Over 150 participants were united from different profiles such as professionals in the field of tourism, representatives of civil society organizations, local government, business sector, artisans/craftsmen, representatives from the media, young artists and fashion designers from the Faculties of Arts from both countries.

The main focus was the identification of opportunities for tourism development, promotion of cooperation in the cross-border area between North Macedonia and Albania, to show concrete examples of collaboration between people, as well as promoting the results of the projects under implementation following the 2nd call of this CBC programme.

The celebration day had started with the Ambassadors from the EU Delegations exchanging and have conversation with journalists from both countries

High officials representing both Ministries, Ambassadors from Delegations of the EU and the Mayor of the Municipality of Korça greeted the guests at the event.

The projects from the 2nd Call under implementation in order to illustrate the synergy of the regional cooperation so far, presented and promoted the achieved results through videos and statements and showcased how they are supporting local communities in this area.

As part of the activities was the official visiting from EU Ambassadors representatives of both Ministries and Mayor of Korça to the projects: “Innovative practices for environmental protection” and “Flood prevention for environment protection” implemented in the region of Korça under this CBC Programme.

At the event students from Fashion Faculties from Tirana and Skopje made traditional dresses from the past in new modern versions.

Additionally, the visitors enjoyed the traditional folklore groups with youngsters, played local music as well as witnessed the cross-border fairs of artisans and gastronomes from both countries who presented their products, promoting the programme area and interacting with each other, while the locals enjoyed the gastronomy and indulged in the handcrafts.

 

 

11th Meeting of the Joint Monitoring Committee of the IPA CBC Programme MK-AL 2014-2020

On 19th of October 2021, in Bitola, North Macedonia, the Joint Monitoring Committee held the 11th meeting under IPA II CBC Programme North Macedonia – Albania 2014-2020. In this meeting, the most important topics discussed were related to: (1) the status of the strategic project idea “Ohrid Lake – Bridging two countries towards one destination”, for the strategic vision under IPA III financial perspective; (2) the introduction, discussion and provision of advisory opinion on the operations suggested to be funded, 3rd call for proposals. For the first topic, the JMC had agreed that both OSs should commit themselves by providing and fulfilling the conditionalities (bilateral agreement/legislation, environmental impact assessment) by the middle of the next year (2022). The revised action plan and time schedule to be prepared by the OSs and submitted to DEU with all steps for 5 months with meetings with institutions and actions to fulfill the conditionalities.

For the second topic, it was agreed that the JMC members will send the advisory opinion on the list of operations selected under the 3rd call for proposal that was distributed on the JMC meeting, via the written procedure. On 2nd of December 2021 the advisory opinion on the list of operations selected under the 3rd call for proposal had been submitted officially to the Delegation of the European Union to North Macedonia.

Visits of the Joint Monitoring Committee of the IPA CBC Programme MK-AL 2014-2020 to the projects implemented under the 2nd call for proposals

In order to see the results of projects implemented by the Grant beneficiaries under the 2nd Call, on 18th of October 2021, the JMC had visited the premises of the “Multifunctional Centre” reconstructed under the project “Discovering hidden attractions” executed by the Municipality of Demir Hisar in Sloestica, Demir Hisar, North Macedonia, and the premises of the “Ancient town Heraclea Lyncestis” reconstructed under the project “SMART-CUL-TUR” applied by the Municipality of Bitola in Bitola, North Macedonia.

Announcement for engaging Expert to prepare the technical specifications for the tender for procurement of two solar boats that will operate in Ohrid Lake

Announcement for engaging Expert to prepare the technical specifications for the tender for procurement of two solar boats that will operate in Ohrid Lake, provided by EU grants under the Cross-Border Cooperation Programme between the Republic of North Macedonia and Republic of Albania

The Ministry of Local-Self Government in the Republic of North Macedonia and the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs in the Republic of Albania, announce the vacancy for hiring expert(s) for preparing the technical specifications for the tender for procurement of two solar boats that will operate in Ohrid Lake, provided by EU grants under the CBC Programme North Macedonia and Albania.

For more information please consult the Terms of References.

Deadline for application is: on 19th of July 2021, in the following electronic address: jts_mkal@yahoo.com

Announcement for engaging Expert(s) to prepare a feasibility study for the selection of the legal concept of the operating company that will operate two solar boats in Ohrid Lake

Announcement for engaging Expert(s) to prepare a feasibility study for the selection of the legal concept of the operating company that will operate two solar boats in Ohrid Lake – IPA CBC Programme North Macedonia – Albania

The Ministry of Local-Self Government in the Republic of North Macedonia and the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs in the Republic of Albania, announce the vacancy for hiring expert(s) Experts for preparing a feasibility study for selection of a legal concept of the operating company that will operate most profitably the two solar boats in Lake Ohrid under the IPA CBC programme North Macedonia – Albania.

For more information please consult the Terms of References.

Deadline for application is: on 29 th of June 2021, in the following electronic address: jts_mkal@yahoo.com

Vacancy announcement for engaging Professors for mentoring the students within the Universities of Arts

The Ministry of Local-Self Government in the Republic of North Macedonia and Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs in the Republic of Albania, as the Operating Structures of the IPA Cross-Border Cooperation programme Republic of North Macedonia – Republic of Albania 2014- 2020, in the framework of this programme, supported by the Delegation of European Union to North Macedonia, are planning to organize a series of events this spring with the aim is to raise awareness by showing the attractions in the programme target areas, the benefits and possibilities from the Programme itself and the projects funded under this programme.

As an important component of this visibility event “CBC: Past. Tradition Future. The Way We Interact!”, is the production of the traditional dresses/costumes of the cross-border area, by the students from the Universities of Arts in both countries mentored by their Professors .

The present activity aims at selecting students from the state Universities of Arts in Skopje and Tirana who will participate in the creation of traditional costumes/dresses from the programme eligible area with the aim of valorizing the target territories under this programme and to increase the CBC awareness for the whole Programme on a local level.

The Ministry of Local Self-Government and the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs are publishing Public Announcement for Candidates for Vacancies:

  • Professors (one per country) for selection and mentoring of the students to design and create six (6) traditional costumes/dresses from the programme eligible area (3 per each country) with the aim of valorizing the target territories under this programme, through engaging young people in the process of preserving traditions, as well as share cultural heritage in the programme area.
  • The Terms of Reference for this position can be downloaded from the following official websites: http://ipacbc-mk-al.net; www.mls.gov.mk; http://punetejashtme.gov.al;

Deadline for application:

Interested candidates must submit the application and offer not later than the deadline set in ToRs point 15, which is 27th of April 2021 to the following email address jts_mkal@yahoo.com .

Only those applications which will arrive by the closing date and time to this announcement will be considered for review.

Monitoring of CBC Operations under the 2nd Call for Proposals of the IPA CBC Programme North Macedonia and Albania 2014-2020 – Period 2021

During 2021, the Grant Beneficiaries (GBs) had submitted quarterly data related to the indicators through the monitoring system developed by the CBIB+. This was to provide a systematic and continual collection, analysis and use of management information and support an effective decision-making process in the implementation of the CBC Programme. The JTS has assisted the OSs for establishing the system to gather reliable CBC Programme information, including achievement of specific objectives and expected results and targets per thematic priority, based on this monitoring system. To ensure smooth implementation, the Joint Technical Secretariat staff and representatives of both Operation Structures conducted two rounds of monitoring visits to all projects of the 2nd call under this CBC Programme during the period of April – May 2021.

The first round was made via Zoom platform, focusing to issues related to the project implementation, progress, recommendations and advisement on the necessary measures aiming to improve the implementation of activities, delays, etc. During the second round there were ten field monitoring visits to all five projects under the 2nd Call for proposals in both countries.

The JTS and OSs staff successfully completed the monitoring visits while simultaneously assisting with recommendations and technical support. Both organizations received input on improving the quality of work, future implementation of activities, and supporting documents.

No. Title of the project Date of monitoring Site of the visit
1 Flood prevention for environment protection 25 March 2021,

On the field visit to the Municipality of Mogila and CCI

 The drainage canals in the Municipality of Mogila, North Macedonia
1 April 2021

3rd monitoring visit via zoom

  
6 April 2021, 11:00 h

On the field visit to the Municipality of Maliq and Organization of Destination Management Korça

 The drainage canals in the Municipality of Maliq, Albania
       
2 SMART-CUL-TOUR 25 March 2021

On the field visit to the Municipality of Bitola

 Reconstruction of the premises of the “Ancient town Heraclea Lyncestis”, Bitola, North Macedonia
1 April 2021

3rd monitoring visit via zoom

  
7 April 2021, 11:00 h

On the field visit to the Municipality of Pustec Korçë

 Reconstruction of the Museum in honor of the well-known writer Sterjo Spase in Globocani, Pustec, Albania
       
3 New Opportunities for Safe Winter Adventures 19 April 2021 12:00,

Field monitoring visit in Gramsh, Albania

 Firefighters brigade building in Gramsh, Albania
11 May 2021

3rd monitoring visit via zoom

  
19 May 2021, 13:00 h

Field monitoring visit in Debrca, North Macedonia

 Reconstruction of the “Mountain hut” in in Debrca, North Macedonia
       
4 Discovering hidden attractions 5 May 2021

3rd monitoring visit via zoom

  
20 May 2021, 12:00 h

Field monitoring visit at the Sloestica, Demir Hisar, North Macedonia

 Reconstruction of the “Cooperative center” in Sloestica, Demir Hisar, North Macedonia
27 May 2021, 12:00 h

Field monitoring visit in Klos, Albania

 Construction of the Museum building in Klos, Albania
       
5 Cross-border biking: Next level adventure tourism in Mavrovo-Rostushe and Diber 12 May 2021

3rd monitoring visit via zoom

  
21 May 2021

Field monitoring visit at the Mavrovo and Rostusha, North Macedonia

 Biking trails and Tourism Info center in Mavrovo and Rostusha, North Macedonia
26 May 2021, 12:00 h

Field monitoring in Dibër, Albania

 Reconstruction of the Multifunctional Centre at the Palace of Culture, and biking trails in Dibër, Albania

The implementation of the five projects contracted under the 2nd call for proposals was ongoing during 2021, out of which two projects ended and the other three are under implementation. Besides the regular monitoring the five projects under the 2nd call were monitored by the ROM Experts as well.

EU-funded Cross-Border Cooperation research papers for the projects implemented under IPA 2007-2013 and IPA 2014 -2020 Cross-Border Cooperation Programme between North Macedonia and Albania

The Ministry of Local-Self Government in the Republic of North Macedonia and Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs in the Republic of Albania, as the Operating Structures of the IPA II Cross-Border Cooperation programme Republic of North Macedonia – Republic of Albania 2014- 2020, in the framework of this programme are launching today, March 12 th 2021, a contest for the selection of applicants for preparing research papers concerned about inplementation of projects funded by IPA Cross border cooperation programmes North Macedonia – Albania IPA 1 (2007 – 2013) and IPA 2 (2014-2020). The operational structures of this CBC programme are interested in knowing how the implementation of the IPA CBC Programme between North Macedonia and Albania contributes to improving the lives of inhabitants in the programmme area. The call, will involve applicants from North Macedonia and Albania according the eligibility criteria set out in the guidelines for this call.

The guidelines and application form for this open call can be downloaded from the following official websites: http://ipacbc-mk-al.net; www.mls.gov.mk; http://punetejashtme.gov.al;

Contestants for the ‘EU-funded award contract for cross-border cooperation research papers’ shall comply with the following eligibility criteria to participate:

1. The contestant must be a legal or a natural person (the natural persons belonging to an University, student, professor / mentors, etc).

2. The contestant must be established or be a student or university professor at one of the beneficiary country.

3. When the contestant is a legal person, it must be one of the following types of legal persons:

  • Private or public higher education institution;
  • Research institutes or research organizations connected with the academic community.

The other eligibility criteria’s you can find in the Guidelines for applicants.

The deadline for submission of entries is by midnight Central European time on 1 st of May 2021.