Planering vatten och sanitet för EU-förhandlingar Planning water and waste water for EU-negotiations Sidas stöd inom miljösektorn fokuserar Albaniens förberedelser för EU-förhandlingar och att landet på sikt ska nå EU-standarder. Det nya samarbetet med infrastruktur- och energiministeriet ("ministeriet") har som syfte att stärka Albaniens planering inom vattensektorn i linje med EUs krav så att landet är väl förberett för kommande EU-förhandlingar. Det innebär att två särskilda handlingsplaner ska tas fram för två EU-direktiv (inom dricksvatten och avloppsrening) vilka ska visa när, hur och med vilka resurser Albanien ska uppfylla alla åtaganden inom respektive direktiv. I tillägg till detta ska projektet också utveckla en strategi för hur Albanien på sikt ska ta om hand sitt avloppsslam, ta fram ett mer detaljerat genomförandeprogram för det första 7 åren (2021-2027), utveckla den lagstiftning som saknas på området samt genomföra ett kompetensutvecklingsprogram.

Ministeriet är projektägare och ska leda arbetet tillsammans med myndigheten för infrastrukturprojekt i vattensektorn (AKUM) och AKUM ska upphandla en internationell konsult som ska utföra planerade tjänster. Genomförandetiden är beräknad till tre år och har en uppskattad budget på 20 MSEK.

Ambassaden avser upphandla uppföljning- och rådgivningsstöd till de albanska parterna och ambassaden och avsätter för ändamålet 1.4 MSEK över 3-årsperiod. Sida's support within environment and climate focuses the preparations for EU-negotiations and Albania reaching EU-standards over time. This new contribution with the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy ("the Ministry") aims to strengthen Albania's investment planning in the water sector (water supply and waste water treatment) in line with EU requirements in order for Albania to be well-prepared for the coming EU-negotiations. Concretely the contribution will support the development of two action plans (Directive Specific Implementation Plans) which will outline when, how and with what resources Albania will fully implement the two directives for Drinking Water and Waste Water Treatment. In addition the project will support the development of a long-term sludge management strategy, prepare a report on agglomerations and sensitive areas, prepare a detailed investment program for the first 7 years (2021-2027), draft legislation to enable the completion of the transposition of the two directives and develop and implement a capacity development plan for the directives.

The Ministry is the project owner and will lead the work together with the Agency for implementation of water infrastructure projects (AKUM) and AKUM will procure an international consultant for the services needed. The implementation time is three years and the estimated budget is 20 MSEK. The Project objective is to develop strategic planning capabilities in the water sector for the implementation of EU standards. The Project will develop two Directive Specific Implementation Plans (DSIPs) for the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive and the Drinking Water Directive (including delineation of sensitive areas and agglomerations), a sludge management strategy, an investment programme, legislation for completion of transposition in this area and a capacity development plan. 
The main beneficiaries are the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy (MIE, which is the project owner), responsible for policy and strategy development, and the National Agency for Water Supply and Sewerage and Waste Infrastructure (AKUM, which will be responsible for procurement and contract management) responsible for the implementation of policies and strategies in the field of water supply and sewerage, wastewater treatment, territorial planning and solid waste infrastructure.
The Project objective is expected to contribute to;
-          Supporting the planning for the implementation of EU heavy investments acquis.  The Directive Specific Implementation Plans (DSIPs) will define the standards to be achieved over the long-term and will provide a consistent point of reference for planning.  A clear understanding of the needs and timing of investments can reduce the overall cost of meeting the necessary standards.
-          Justifying funding applications.  It is the stated intention of many donors/IFIs to support Albania’s wish to join the EU.  Investments defined and prioritised within agreed DSIPs can be supported with some confidence.  Clear investment justification can attract additional funding.
-          To support the EU Accession Chapter 27 negotiations process.  Experience of EU candidate countries and new member states shows that long-term, realistic planning is essential to providing a credible negotiations position.
The project will be implemented over a 3-year period at an estimated cost of 20 MSEK. The needed services will be procured bu AKUM according to EU PRAG procedures.