Following the expression by the government of Albania of its commitment to proactively implement an anti-corruption strategy as part of the National Strategy for Development and Integration (NSDI) and the adoption of an ambitious and cross cutting strategy for the Prevention and Fight against Corruption and for Transparent Governance 2008-2013, with the funding from the European Commission under IPA 2008, the Council of Europe has launched since 1 September 2009 a new technical assistance Project against corruption in Albania (PACA). The project’s duration will be of 30 months The total amount of funds of the project is 2,130.000 Euro (93.90% EU funds and 6.10% COE funds).

PACA’s overall objective is to contribute to democracy and the rule of law through the prevention and control of corruption. The project’s specific objectives are the following:

• To enhance the implementation of anti-corruption policies and strategies (Anti-corruption Strategy and Action Plan 2007-2013) in line with GRECO and MONEYVAL recommendations and European Partnership commitments;
• To contribute to the prevention of corruption in the education sector by improving transparency, accountability and social participation in the education system.

PACA will deliver these objectives through the provision of targeted expertise and training by international and national experts, and through outreach to all relevant stakeholders and civil society on the expertise acquired.