Albania

To support the Government of Albania's programme of addressing extra-legality by providing a comprehensive approach to the transition process from dispersed extra legal arrangements to a single rule of law and an inclusive market economy. This will include rules and guidelines that will unify, standardize and modernize the informal market economy in Albania towards the creation of a nationally unified system of formal and legalized properties and businesses.

The main output of the first twelve months under the diagnostic phase will be high-level advisory services to the Government of Albania on the unique approach of the Institute for Liberty and Democracy (ILD) to address extra-legality in the country. ILD will prepare a diagnostic report laying out: (i) Characteristics, practices, and a magnitude of the country's extra-legal sector; (ii) Reasons why its citizens prefer to stay outside the current legal system; and (iii) Graphics and other information for illustration and dissemination purposes. Furthermore, ILD will also work on building capacities of the Albanian core reform team positioned at the Council of Ministers.

The reform is considered to be an integral component of the Goverernment's commitment towards European integration, increasing economic growth and reduction of poverty. It particularly targets the creation of opportunities and the facilitation of the transformation of real estate units (properties) and informal businesses to operat within the framework of the legal and formal economy.

The diagnostic work will be conducted in close cooperation with the Government of Albania as well as other local experts and civil society representatives. A special unit will be established at the Office of the Prime Minister to coordinate and oversee the implementation of the programme activities. The programme will pay particular attention to coordination and cooperation with the main donors already working in this field such as the World Bank and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and any other interested national and international partners that might be involved in assisting / financing other stages, upon the agreement with the Government.