International cooperation with Albania in research and innovation

Policy background

Albania participates in the EU Research and Innovation programmes since 2008. Albania's annual activities in European Research and Innovation Framework Programmes have been growing since 2014. The Association Agreement with Albania ensuring its participation in the Horizon Europe Framework Programme entered into force on 30 May 2022. The agreement applies with a retroactive effect from 1 January 2021.

Under Horizon Europe Albania is particularly active in the Widening programme part, in cluster 6 (Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment), cluster 2 (Culture, creativity and inclusive society) and cluster 1 (Health). Albania is actively engaged in setting up an R&I governance system to bring it in line with ERA priorities. The sharply increased participation in COST actions supports the establishment of scientific networks. The Smart Specialisation Strategy was approved at the end of 2024 and will further strengthen Albania’s national research and innovation eco-system.

Albania’s association to Horizon Europe completes the association of Western Balkans economies to the programme. It is also one of the key deliverables of the Western Balkans Agenda on Research, Innovation, Education, Culture, Youth and Sports. It underlines the importance that cooperation in the field of research and innovation will play in the future and the transformative power of R&I policies in accelerating the pursuit of the twin green and digital transitions.

Horizon Europe key figures for Albania