Development Work
Following a review of its work in the Western Balkans, the UK Department for International Development (DFID) decided that Albania had progressed to the point that DFID would not take on any new bilateral funding commitments lasting beyond March 2009. The DFID Office within the British Embassy therefore closed on 31 March 2009.
DFID’s decision to end its bilateral aid programme in Albania was a reflection of Albania’s significant progress over the last decade, including achievement of middle income status. The bilateral programme had been running in Albania since 1993 and provided over £35 million. DFID’s work latterly had primarily focused on building the government’s capacity to develop sound policies and implement them effectively.
A brochure "UK – ALBANIA: A Development Partnership Past Present Future" was produced to mark the closure. It sets out DFID’s work in Albania, celebrates productive partnerships and heralds a new stage in the relationship between Albania and the UK. As well as noting results from DFID's successful programme, it also highlights lessons learned. A PDF version can be downloaded from the link below, and is also available on the DFID website.
The UK will continue to support Albania’s development and progress on European integration through its membership of the multilateral institutions, particularly the EU, the UN, the World Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and other donors. It will also maintain the support it provides to Albania through other UK government sources such as programme funds managed by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and DFID’s Civil Society Challenge Fund.
