Annual progress report 2015 albanian contribution – input I september 2014 – may 2015 table of contents
The Completion of the Electronic Register
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- Compensation Electronic Register
- Set up of the Physical Compensation Fund
- Analysis of the Law on Property Restitution and Compensation
- Unified Map of the Decision making process
- In the area of legalization applications
- 4. Regional Issues and International Obligations 4.1. Regional Co-operation
- 4.2. Bilateral Relations With regard to relations with the Republic of Kosovo
- Hellenic Republic (Greece)
- Republic of Turkey
- II. ECONOMIC CRITERIA 1. FUNCTIONING MARKET ECONOMY 1.1 Recent economic developments
- Table 1: Main macroeconomic indicators
- Core Inflation (yoy; average)
- Total Inflation (yoy; average)
- Budget balance (incl. grants, in % of GDP)
- Public Debt (in % of GDP)
- Current Account (in % of GDP)
- Imports of goods (fob, in % of GDP)
- Exports of goods (fob, in % of GDP )
- Policy Rate ( repo; end of period)
- Credit to the private sector (annual growth; end of period)
- Average Exchange Rate, lek/usd
- Average Exchange Rate, lek/euro
The Completion of the Electronic Register The Electronic Register of the decision making process from year 1993 until present time, published by PRCA on July 2014, is about to be completed with the data of the files archived at the Central State Archive and in the archives of the local government units, files which have been taken in possession by PRCA, and are being registered and scanned. By the registration process, it results that there are more than 10,000 files which don’t have a final decision and on which PRCA will decide through an administrative analysis. Compensation Electronic Register Based on the data obtained by the Electronic Register, PRCA created a Compensation Electronic Register, from which results that there are 26.369 decisions for property rights compensation. It has been calculated the final financial bill for these decisions. On January 5, 2015, started the application process for the financial compensation from the special fund made available by the Government with the DCM No 889, date 17.12.2014. The fund made available for the compensation process of the expropriated owners consists in 300 million ALL. Set up of the Physical Compensation Fund By Order of Prime Minister were established two inter institutional groups, under the direction of the Deputy Prime Minister. These groups were task to identify and send for approval by the Government, the physical fund for the compensation of the expropriated owners, and to register all state and public properties, which will be available for the implementation of this process. PRCA has identified, verified the legal status of these properties so far available, making the right actions for their registration at the IPRO. The identified fund consists in 23.000 acres agricultural land. Analysis of the Law on Property Restitution and Compensation DCM Nr.236, dated 23.04.2014 “On Approval of the Action Plan for the implementation of the Pilot Judgement of ECHR “Manushaqe Puto and others against Albania”, foresees a complete analysis of the legislation on property restitution and compensation. This analysis has been performed by a inter institutional work group of experts from Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Urban Development, PRCA, IPRO, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Economic and Ministry of Finance. Besides performing this analysis, PRCA has taken the necessary steps for the issue of the financial compensation. Aiming the performing of an inclusive process, PRCA on October 2014 took initiative for the consulting with the Groups of Interests and Institutions affected by the legal and institutional reform, with the purpose of obtaining as many as possible suggestions regarding the problems identified during these years. The data gathered by these Round Tables were among the other materials taken under consideration during the process of drafting the new Law on property restitution and compensation. One of the purposes of this process is the set-up of a mechanism, which would be an important part of the new law on property restitution and compensation. The approval of the new law and of the mechanism for the compensation process, aims the finalization of this process. For the creation of this mechanism, PRCA cooperated intensively with exerts of World Bank and Council of Europe and consulted with experts of the field members of international organizations such as IOM. Based on these consultations with the work group, were drafted proposals for the review of the legislation on property restitution and compensation and were presented to the Ministry of Justice. Unified Map of the Decision making process Based on the positive experience of the implementation of the pilot project of Vlore District, on cartographic positioning of all the decisions for property restitution and compensation, PRCA has presented a draft on the creation of the Unified Map for the decision process on the issue of property from the year 1993 until present time for the whole country.For the realization of this project, PRCA is cooperating with the Ministry of Innovation and Public Administration and ASIG, and the project is foreseen to be implemented in 2017. Legalisation Process In October 2014, the Law 107/2014 on “Territorial Planning and Development” entered into force. This law clarifies the situation on territorial planning by creating a hierarchy of planning documents, their type as well as the authorities that have competences on territorial planning. Also, the law clarifies the issues with construction and development permits as well as the institutions that approve them. Regarding planning documents they are drafted at national and local level and are divided into general and sector plans. They aim at the sustainable development of the territory as well as try to harmonize and coordinate the different vertical and horizontal interests. Regarding territorial development, the construction permits are divided into complex permits which are used for major projects and approved at the NTC, as well as construction permits which are approved at local level. In addition, a new component has been added with an easier procedure, for some interventions which do not have the intention for adding new spaces and volumes but are primarily for issues of maintenance and substitution, which is called the declaration of works. In addition, the Ministry of Urban Development and the Government has taken different legal measures that aim to simplify and shorten timeframes for building permissions through a one stop service similar to “customer care”. In support of law 107/2014, different bylaws are being drafted for the rules on territorial planning and territorial development which will help in making the law completely functional. These two regulations are predicted to be completed within a very short time period. The Ministry of Urban Development has also started the procedure on drafting the technical norms for construction. This is a very important step in improving the legal basis as well as in the control of development. The ministry of urban development is drafting three important plans of national importance such as the National Territorial Plan, the Integrated Cross Sector Plan for the Coast and the Integrated Cross Sector Plan for the economic zone Tirana - Durrësi. These plans, aim at fostering economic development, social development, conserving the environment and harmonizing sector, national and local interests. The three plans are aimed to be completed by 2015. In the end, these plans will serve as a framework for the newly formed local governments for drafting their territorial plans. MUD in collaboration with the NTPA, has drafted a series of international competitions on urban design, with the aim of creating new models for urban development in Albania. Three are the main competitions which have not only been drafted as projects but also started to some extent their implementation, the Vlora Waterfront, the Riviera and Durana. In collaboration with the Albanian Development Fund, a program for Regional Development has been set. This program funds projects that aim at improving the quality of urban centres. In addition, the sector of land administration is preparing the draft for the policy document on land management and administration. This document will serve as a leading framework in increasing the transparency of land transactions as well as will guarantee a system for its sustainable management. Through the support of PLGP-USAID, a guiding document will be delivered with regard to instruments of land management instruments. This document will serve in developing an efficient land market which promotes economic development. These instruments will have a direct impact in guiding the sustainable development and the improvement of public services that are offered. In the area of legalization applications Besides the 245,787 applications during 2005-2006 for legalization of informal buildings, changes on May 2013 (No 141/2013 Law), of Law no. 9482, dated 03.04.2006, "On the legalization, urbanization and integration of illegal constructions", included in the process of legalization of illegal constructions, a number of 24,054 objects established on land owned by possessor, after the entry into force of the law above. Pursuant to the amendments of the law, from 10 September to 31 January 2014 at ALUIZNI directories across the country, have accepted new applications (statement for inclusion in the proceedings of legalization of illegal constructions) by entities that are not included in the process during the application periods in 2006 and 2013. The number of new applications at the end of the process is 155,025, this number is object of further changes it depends on an accurate process ALUIZNI has proceeded with the legalization for 45.699 buildings until 31.03.2015. For 84.269 informal buildings; is finalized the measurement process until 31.03.2015. Council of Ministers has approved the transfer of the ownership right, over the land for 96.693 buildings (until the last decision of the Council of Ministers, 1.04.2015). From this procedure is collected an income of 8,725,252,000 ALL. A financial reward is approved for 7675 owners, whose property is occupied by illegal constructions and the corresponding amount is 11,712,043,950.28 ALL. ALUIZNI is still working to full fill the necessary documentation of other buildings which need the approval of the transfer of ownership right and the reward of the owners whose property is occupied by illegal constructions. 4. Regional Issues and International Obligations 4.1. Regional Co-operation Regarding regional cooperation, Albania actively contributes to regional cooperation and plays an important role in the reconciliation process in the region. Albania actively participated in a regional project that developed of a Network of Ministries of Foreign Affairs from South East Europe (MFAs Network) supported by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) - Open Regional Fund for South East Europe-Promotion of EU Integration. The project fosters regional cooperation by providing a platform for exchange of experiences among partner countries in relation to the EU accession negotiations process. Through a regional working dialogue and an exchange of good practices and lessons learned, as well as by bringing in expertise from EU member states, the MFAs Network supports the EU accession process and strengthens regional cooperation. Albania played a moderate and constructive role in every regional initiative, stressing the importance of an all-inclusive cooperation and continues to develop very good relations with neighbouring countries, which an essential part of its process of moving towards the European Union. (For detailed information, please refer to Chapter 31- Foreign, Security and Defense Policy) 4.2. Bilateral Relations With regard to relations with the Republic of Kosovo Albania considers them as excellent ones. The strategic partnership between the two countries is a cornerstone in further institutionalization of bilateral relations. During the second meeting between the two governments G2G, held in Tirana, there were signed 12 agreements, memorandums and protocols of cooperation, creating possibilities of further consolidation of bilateral cooperation. Albania will continue to strongly support Kosovo in the process of Euro-Atlantic integration, as well as its membership in regional initiatives and international organizations. Relations with FYROM are considered particularly important as relations between two neighbouring countries that share the same interests for peace, stability and cooperation in the region and led by the same objectives in the integration policy. Albania is convinced that the implementation of the Ohrid Agreement is a key element for the stability of Macedonia and its European future. In this regard, Albania has given the message that all political forces in FYROM, must contribute in a constructive way and cooperate closely to the prompt implementation of the whole agreement. Relations with Montenegro are dynamic and multidimensional and also constitute a very good model of good neighbourly relations. The Albanian minority in Montenegro is a bridge of friendship and an element of stability and internal cohesion. Albania will continuously offer in the future its support for all matters relating to the membership of Montenegro in NATO. Relations with Republic of Serbia are complicated and delicate. The two countries exchanged mutual official visits and several agreements were signed in the field of rule of law, fight against organized crime, health, consular issues, free movement, finance, etc. After the events of 14 October 2014 in Belgrade, and the incidents following the conclusion of the football match between Serbia and Albania, bilateral political relations with Serbia reached their lowest point. Despite the events of October 14th and the incidents that followed, the visit of Prime Minister Rama marked an important moment in the regional foreign policy of the Republic of Albania. Relations between Albania and Bosnia-Herzegovina aimed at further development with an emphasis on good neighbourly relations. Albania is interested in intensifying political dialogue and contacts at all levels. Albania and Bosnia-Herzegovina don`t have any unresolved or open issue. Republic of Italy continues to be the first partner in bilateral exchanges and one of the most important contributors to the development of the country in various fields, through investment, cooperation programs or participation and co-financing multilateral programs. Relations with the Hellenic Republic (Greece) have maintained intense dynamic exchanges and several bilateral agreements, including on the delimitation of the Greek-Albanian continental shelf and maritime zones, are under discussion. Several joint working committees were reactivated with the aim at solving issues of interest to both parties. Relations with the Republic of Turkey have come into a new dimension with the signing of the Strategic Partnership Document, which paves the way for the institutionalization of bilateral relations in every field and the realization of joint meetings between the two governments. Albania and Turkey have no political problems. Overall, Albania continued to play a constructive role in contributing to the stability of the region, and continued to implement the Stabilisation and Association Process commitments in this regard. Albania needs to align with the EU position on the integrity of the Rome Statute and with the related EU guiding principles on bilateral immunity agreements. II. ECONOMIC CRITERIA 1. FUNCTIONING MARKET ECONOMY 1.1 Recent economic developments The Ministry of Finance (hereinafter MF) initial assessment confirmed a slightly recovered economic growth of the Albanian economy and relatively low inflationary pressures within the target of the central bank for 2014. This trend was confirmed also in the fourth quarter of 2014. The projections about economic performance during 2014 show a gradual recovery of aggregate demand supported by improved consumption and Albanian business confidence, monetary stimulus and expected growth of the world economy. Despite the expected recovery, economic growth is estimated to remain below potential. The economy will continue to be characterized by unused manufacturing capacity and a negative output gap in short term. In Q4 2014, inflation averaged 1.3%. From the macroeconomic point of view, the weak aggregate demand continued to generate low inflationary pressures. Also, low inflation rates in our trading partner countries, stable exchange rates and downward expectations for inflation contributed to the low inflation rate at home. Meanwhile, during Q1 2015, inflation averaged 1.9%, resulting in an increase of 0.6 percentage points, only 0.1 percentage points below the target of the Bank of Albania of 2 – 4%. Economic activity has picked up gradually since the large contraction in Q3 2013 (of -2%) and then in Q2 2014 (of -0.2%), with output rising across a wide range of sectors. Domestic demand is becoming an increasingly important component of growth (with a forecasted increase for 2014 of 2.7%, compared with 2013), with investments and consumption (forecasted increase of 3.1% for 2014) both having expanded in Q4. The growth in the domestic demand has resulted in higher imports, which have led to a negative contribution of net exports. Similar to the previous quarters, developments in government demand were shaped by a consolidating fiscal policy, resulting in falling capital expenditures and negative contribution to growth. Despite improved growth, the output gap remains negative. Subdued inflation in external markets, the unused capacity in the economy, moderate wage growth and the fall in inflation expectations have all contributed to a low inflation environment. Average annual inflation was 1.3% in Q4 2014 and 1.9% in Q1 2015. Table 1: Main macroeconomic indicators
*Data sources: MOF, INSTAT, Bank of Albania According to the Bank of Albania (BoA), after the contraction in Q2, economic activity expanded by 3.9% and 2.4% in Q3 and Q4 mainly due to a pickup in the construction and services sectors. On the expenditure side, economic growth was mainly driven by private domestic demand benefitting from improved confidence and better financing conditions. On the other hand, the unemployment rate remained high. External demand resulted weaker than expected and net exports gave a negative contribution to aggregate demand growth. The last quarter of 2014 was characterized by higher public investments which compensated for the slowdown in private demand.Throughout the year 2014, the consolidating stance of fiscal policy left little room for expanding public contribution to economic growth. In 2014, the output gap remained negative and generated weak inflationary pressures. In addition, low inflationary pressures from the main trading partners persisted primarily due to the fall in oil prices during the second half of last year. In response, monetary policy was even more expansionary. The policy rate was lowered in 3 occasions during 2014 and once more in January 2015. Currently the policy rate stands at 2.00%. Lek lending rates have been declining steadily easing domestic financing costs. Credit to the economy improved slightly. The expansionary monetary policy was supplemented by forward guidance to the markets and the injection of liquidity into the banking system. The BoA expects the moderate upswing in 2014 to strengthen and to gradually become more self-sustained in the coming years. Directory: files -> documents files files -> Fall 2013 Spring 2014 Program Data: Standard 1 Exhibit 4d files -> Hanban – asia society confucius classrooms network 2010 request for proposal files -> Northern England’s set-jetting locations documents files -> Report: Shelter Support Mission to Afghanistan documents files -> Information and Communication Technologies for Reconstruction and Development Afghanistan Challenges and Opportunities documents files -> Humanitarian Civil-Military Coordination in Emergencies: Towards a Predictable Model documents files -> Rapid Education Needs Assessment Report documents files -> H Report of a Workshop on Coordinating Regional Capacity Building on Gender Responsive Humanitarian Action in Asia-Pacific documents files -> Arizona Department of Administration Risk Management Statewide Motor Vehicle Safety Policy Download 3.84 Mb. Share with your friends:
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