Projekti IPA2

Funar Fest 2026 marked the beginning of the second phase of the “Krushevo and Elbasan, Journey in Nature and Adventure” project (KET-J), implemented under the IPA III Cross-Border Cooperation Programme North Macedonia and Albania.

The event in Funar, Elbasan, brought together visitors from Elbasan, other cities across Albania and international tourists. The programme featured cultural activities, local product presentations, live music performances, kayaking, camping and outdoor activities. Through the event, Funar was promoted as an attractive destination for nature and adventure tourism.

The second phase of the project includes the construction of the Funar Adventure Park, development of new parking areas, and creation of 13 kilometres of hiking and cycling trails. These investments will contribute to improved tourism infrastructure, increased regional attractiveness and sustainable tourism development.

Representatives of local authorities and partner organisations attended the event. The Mayors of the Municipalities of Elbasan and Krushevo highlighted the importance of cross-border cooperation and European Union support in jointly developing tourism potential, creating new economic opportunities and connecting communities on both sides of the border.

Through the development of tourism infrastructure, strengthening of local capacities and promotion of natural resources, the project aims to position Krushevo and Elbasan as recognised destinations for active, nature-based and adventure tourism.

Thirty-six representatives of local administrations from the Pelagonia Region in North Macedonia and the Elbasan Region in Albania participated in a two-day good governance training organised within the framework of the “Krushevo and Elbasan, Journey in Nature and Adventure” project, funded by the European Union through the IPA III Cross-Border Cooperation Programme North Macedonia and Albania.

The training brought together municipal officials, experts and local stakeholders to strengthen knowledge and skills related to transparent, accountable and inclusive local governance. Participants exchanged experiences and explored practical approaches to improving public services and increasing citizen participation.

During the training, participants discussed key principles of good governance, transparency, accountability, inclusive participation and civic engagement. Through presentations, moderated discussions, case studies and group exercises, they analysed common governance challenges faced by municipalities and identified practical solutions to address them.

Particular attention was given to:

* Strengthening transparency and accountability in local services.

* Promoting citizen participation in decision-making processes.

* Identifying barriers to inclusion and community participation.

* Developing practical activities for consultation with local communities.

* Exchanging good practices between municipalities from the two countries.

The interactive format of the training encouraged active dialogue and cooperation among participants, creating opportunities for mutual learning and strengthening cross-border partnerships.

Organised by the Ministry of Local Self-Government and the Delegation of the European Union to North Macedonia, a promotional event was held in Ohrid on 1 December 2025 to mark the start of the implementation of two new projects funded through the IPA III Cross-Border Cooperation Programme North Macedonia and Albania.

As part of the event, the North Macedonia and Albania Cross-Border Cooperation Programme was presented, while co-financing agreements were signed between the Ministry of Local Self-Government and the lead beneficiaries of the two newly approved projects.

The event featured addresses by the Ambassador of the European Union to North Macedonia, Michalis Rokas, the Minister of Local Self-Government, Zlatko Perinski, the Director of the Directorate for Convergence and Cohesion with the European Union of the Republic of Albania, Eridana Çano, the Mayor of the Municipality of Ohrid, Kiril Pecakov, and the Mayor of the Municipality of Krushevo, Niko Choneski.

Participants were informed about the importance of cross-border cooperation in promoting sustainable regional development, environmental protection, improved safety for local communities and sustainable tourism development. The two new projects, with a combined value of more than EUR 1.6 million, will contribute to strengthening partnerships and supporting the development of the cross-border region.

The IPA III Cross-Border Cooperation Programme North Macedonia and Albania is one of five cross-border cooperation programmes in which North Macedonia participates with neighbouring countries. With financial support of approximately EUR 12 million, the programme supports projects contributing to economic growth, environmental protection, social inclusion and stronger cooperation between local communities in the two countries.

One of the two new projects is “Krushevo and Elbasan, Journey in Nature and Adventure” (KET-J), which will contribute to the development of sustainable and adventure tourism and strengthen cross-border cooperation between Krushevo and Elbasan.

The Municipality of Krushevo and the Municipality of Elbasan are entering a new phase of cooperation through the “Journey in Nature and Adventure” project, funded by the European Union through the IPA Cross-Border Cooperation Programme North Macedonia and Albania.

The project aims to develop sustainable tourism, improve tourism infrastructure and strengthen local economies in the cross-border region through joint activities and investments in tourism and adventure tourism facilities.

Basic Project Information:

* Implementation period: 1 November 2025 to 30 June 2028

* Total budget: EUR 833,204

* Partnership: Municipality of Krushevo, Municipality of Elbasan, Center for Sustainable Development ALKA and Tjeter Vizion

What does the project include?

The project will implement a range of infrastructure and development activities aimed at improving the tourism offer and creating new opportunities for local communities.

Key Results:

* Construction of a new paragliding take-off site in Krushevo.

* Reconstruction and improvement of the Gumenje Sports and Recreation Centre, including new trails, lighting, sports facilities and event space.

* Construction of an adventure park in Funar, Elbasan, including a parking area and marked trails leading to the Dopaj canyons.

* Training for entrepreneurs on sustainable tourism and the circular economy.

* Establishment of a cross-border network for coordinated tourism development and promotion.

* Joint promotional activities to increase the regional and international visibility of the destinations.

A New Step for Adventure Tourism

Through this project, the region is taking an important step towards developing adventure tourism, attracting new visitors and creating new economic opportunities for local communities and businesses on both sides of the border.

The project is funded by the European Union through the IPA Cross-Border Cooperation Programme North Macedonia and Albania.

Attached are project summaries in Macedonian, Albanian and English.

IPA III Cross-Border Cooperation Programme North Macedonia and Albania Promoted, Co-Financing Agreements for Two New Projects Signed

Organised by the Ministry of Local Self-Government and the Delegation of the European Union to North Macedonia, a promotional event was held in Ohrid on 1 December 2025 to mark the start of the implementation of two new projects funded through the IPA III Cross-Border Cooperation Programme North Macedonia and Albania.

As part of the event, the North Macedonia and Albania Cross-Border Cooperation Programme was presented, while co-financing agreements were signed between the Ministry of Local Self-Government and the lead beneficiaries of the two newly approved projects.

The event featured addresses by the Ambassador of the European Union to North Macedonia, Michalis Rokas, the Minister of Local Self-Government, Zlatko Perinski, the Director of the Directorate for Convergence and Cohesion with the European Union of the Republic of Albania, Eridana Çano, the Mayor of the Municipality of Ohrid, Kiril Pecakov, and the Mayor of the Municipality of Krushevo, Niko Choneski.

Participants were informed about the importance of cross-border cooperation in promoting sustainable regional development, environmental protection, improved safety for local communities and sustainable tourism development. The two new projects, with a combined value of more than EUR 1.6 million, will contribute to strengthening partnerships and supporting the development of the cross-border region.

The IPA III Cross-Border Cooperation Programme North Macedonia and Albania is one of five cross-border cooperation programmes in which North Macedonia participates with neighbouring countries. With financial support of approximately EUR 12 million, the programme supports projects contributing to economic growth, environmental protection, social inclusion and stronger cooperation between local communities in the two countries.

One of the two new projects is “Krushevo and Elbasan, Journey in Nature and Adventure” (KET-J), which will contribute to the development of sustainable and adventure tourism and strengthen cross-border cooperation between Krushevo and Elbasan.