In order to achieve the objectives of this Agreement and in accordance with Articles 3, 113 and 115, Albania may receive financial assistance from the Community in the form of grants and loans, including loans from the European Investment Bank. Community aid remains tied to the fulfilment of the principles and conditions set out in the conclusions of the General Affairs Council of 29 April 1997 taking into account the results of the annual reviews of the countries of the Stabilisation and Association process, the European Partnerships, and of other Council conclusions, pertaining in particular to the respect of adjustment programmes. Aid granted to Albania shall be geared to observed needs, chosen priorities, the capacity to absorb and repay, and the measures taken to reform and restructure the economy.
Financial assistance, in the form of grants, shall be covered by the operation measures provided for in the relevant Council Regulation within a multiannual indicative framework established by the Community following consultations with Albania.
Financial assistance may cover all sectors of cooperation, paying particular attention to justice, liberty and security, approximation of legislation and economic development.
At the request of Albania and in case of special need, the Community could examine in coordination with international financial institutions, the possibility of granting on an exceptional basis macro-financial assistance subject to certain conditions and taking into account the availability of all financial resources. This assistance would be released subject to the fulfilment of conditions to be established in the context of a programme agreed between Albania and the IMF.
In order to permit optimum use of the resources available, the Parties shall ensure that Community contributions are made in close coordination with those from other sources such as the Member States, other countries and international financial institutions.
To this effect, information on all sources of assistance shall be exchanged regularly between the Parties.
Source: EUR-Lex (Publications Office of the EU), © European Union, reuse permitted under Commission Decision 2011/833/EU.
