Albania joins Framework Programme 7

Tirana University’s science faculty.

Albania has signed a memorandum of understanding with the European Commission, opening the way to the country’s full participation in the EU’s Seventh Research Framework Programme (FP7).

Its new-found “associated status” allows Albania to participate in all calls for proposals and compete on an equal footing with the member states to secure grants from FP7, as of 1 January 2008.

As such, this agreement is an important stepping stone in Albania’s ambitions to become a full member of the EU. It will allow its scientists, universities and companies to create links with counterparts across Europe, and build up their scientific expertise, notably in areas of science that are crucial to implementing EU legislation.

Albania joins other countries in the western Balkans region that are associated to FP7 – Serbia, Croatia, and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

“I strongly believe that the countries of the western Balkans have much to gain from participating in FP7,” said Science and Research Commissioner Janez Potočnik. “Working with EU scientists and companies, and other scientists and companies in their own region, can bring many benefits – scientific, commercial and political.”

Potočnik signed the memorandum on 17 December, with Albanian Education and Science minister Genc Pollo representing his country.