'EU4Rivers' – Enhances the implementation of the National Water Reform and Albania’s progress towards EU water legislation requirements. Supports Albania in aligning its water management system with the EU water acquis. Co-financed by the European Union and the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) and implemented by the Austrian Development Agency under International Partnerships Austria, the project strengthens the legal, institutional and technical framework for integrated water management across Albania.

The action improves water monitoring systems, enhances data accuracy and availability, upgrades laboratory and monitoring equipment, and supports enforcement mechanisms. It also supports the development of River Basin Management Plans for the Vjosa and Shkumbin river basins, the upgrading of existing plans for other basins, and the establishment of the strategic and institutional framework for the implementation of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive. By strengthening water governance and stakeholder dialogue, the project contributes to cleaner rivers and seas, improved biodiversity protection, sustainable use of water resources, and increased resilience of aquatic ecosystems for present and future generations.

• Strengthen the legal and institutional framework for Integrated Water Resources Management in line with the EU water acquis.
• Improve implementation of River Basin Management Plans across all river basins.
• Enhance water monitoring, reporting and enforcement systems.
• Establish the strategic and institutional framework for implementation of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive.

• Improved legal and institutional framework aligned with EU water legislation.
• River Basin Management Plans developed, upgraded and increasingly implemented.
• Strengthened water monitoring network, laboratories and data systems.
• An established marine strategy framework for the protection of Albania’s Adriatic and Ionian waters.