The European Union (EU) and UNDP Albania today awarded 1.2 million EUR in grants to 12 civil society organisations (CSOs). The grant projects will help to increase employment of r marginalised groups across 19 municipalities in Albania.

Funded under the EU for Labour Market Inclusion (EU4LMI) project, these grants will enhance employment services and skills development for vulnerable people such as youth and adults not in employment, education, or training (NEET), young mothers, Roma and Egyptian communities, persons with disabilities, and social assistance recipients.

The ceremony, held at the Technical Vocational School in Korçë, was attended by EU Ambassador Silvio Gonzato, UNDP Representative Randi Davis in Albania and Mayor of Korce Sotiraq Filo, who all highligheds a shared commitment to inclusive economic growth and equal access to decent work for all Albanians.

“With these EU-funded grants, we are turning policy into practice—offering real opportunities for people at risk of exclusion to gain skills, find jobs, and build better lives. This initiative is part of a broader €70 million EU assistance programme for social inclusion in Albania, supporting the Government to advance reforms in the social sector and align with EU accession requirements, particularly Chapter 19 on social policy and employment. Because the EU integration is not only about aligning laws—it’s about building a fairer, more inclusive society where no one is left behind,” said EU Ambassador Silvio Gonzato.

“UNDP is proud to support this collaboration,” said Randi Davis, UNDP Representative in Albania. “These initiatives will empower vulnerable groups with better access to the labor market.”

The €1.2 million grant scheme, coordinated with Albania’s National Agency for Employment and Skills (NAES), will deliver tailored services over the next 12 months, focusing on three key areas: employment counselling, training, as well as skills development for persons with disabilities to increase employment opportunities.

The EU4LMI project, funded by the EU and implemented by UNDP Albania in partnership with the Swedish Public Employment Service and the Albanian Disability Rights Foundation, promotes inclusive economic growth through collaboration with NAES, line ministries, state social services, municipalities, and CSOs.