TIRANA, February 18 – The European Union hosted in Brussels three years ago the International Donors’ Conference – “Together for Albania” – to support reconstruction efforts after the earthquake that struck Albania in November 2019, said a press release issued by the press office of the European Union Delegation to Albania.
“Today, our flagship EU4Schools and EU4Culture programmes count 38 new schools fully operational and three cultural heritage sites fully restored,” the press release said.
The EU mobilised EUR 115 million in two programmes: EU4Schools, implemented by UNDP, an investment of EUR 75 million for the reconstruction or rehabilitation of educational facilities and EU4Culture, implemented by UNOPS, an investment of EUR 40 million for the rehabilitation of cultural heritage sites.
The reconstruction work started immediately following a comprehensive damage assessment in 60+ schools and 27 cultural sites, and now we can see the results of the intervention and the impact of this great assistance.
“The EU and its Member States reacted immediately in helping Albania to recover from the terrible earthquake. Today, I am proud to see dozens of new, modern schools welcoming thousands of children every day and important cultural heritage sites being revitalised. The EU support is already making a difference on the country’s education system and its cultural heritage. It is offering better education opportunities to the younger generation, Albania’s future EU citizens. It is helping Albania to preserve its rich heritage and boosting its local tourism and local economy,” EU Ambassador Christiane Hohmann said. /Argumentum.al
