The Albanian Water Partnership is dedicated to ensuring Albania's compliance with EU water policies. Below are the key directives that guide our work.
The Water Framework Directive (WFD) establishes a legal framework for the protection and management of inland surface waters, groundwater, and coastal waters. It emphasizes the importance of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) and a river basin approach. According to Decision No. 696, dated 30.10.2019, “On defining the territorial and hydrographic boundaries of water basins in the Republic of Albania,” the country is divided into seven main water basins for the purpose of integrated water resources management.
Our Work:
- Implementing IWRM practices to support sustainable water governance.
- Engaging stakeholders, including local communities, policymakers, and water users, in decision-making processes.
- Providing technical assistance to Albania’s water management authorities.
This directive focuses on preventing and controlling groundwater pollution, ensuring high water quality for human consumption and ecosystem sustainability.
Our Work:
- Promoting Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) such as wetlands and buffer zones to enhance groundwater filtration.
- Developing groundwater monitoring programs to assess pollution risks.
Raising awareness on groundwater conservation among businesses and agricultural stakeholders.
The recast Drinking Water Directive is the EU’s main law ensuring that drinking water is safe, clean, and accessible for all. It strengthens health protection by updating water quality standards, expanding monitoring requirements, and reinforcing the obligation to prevent pollution at the source. The Directive applies to all water intended for human consumption—whether supplied through a network, tanker, or bottle—and to water used in food production.
Our Work:
- Supporting infrastructure solutions that improve the quality and resilience of drinking water systems.
- Providing training and awareness programs on water safety and quality monitoring.
- Assisting municipalities in aligning with EU drinking water standards.
Promoting equitable access to safe drinking water in all communities.
This directive establishes guidelines for wastewater collection and treatment to prevent pollution and protect water bodies.
Our Work:
- Promoting circular economy approaches, including wastewater reuse and nutrient recovery.
- Encouraging the use of decentralized and innovative wastewater treatment technologies.
- Collaborating with local governments to implement wastewater treatment systems.
This directive aims to assess and manage flood risks to minimize damage to human health, the environment, and infrastructure. The Floods Directive has been transposed by the DCM No 1015 of 16.12.2020 “On the Content, Development and Implementation of National Water Strategies, of River Basin District Management Plans and of Flood Risk Management Plans” and with the same DCM, the Directive 2009/90/EC on “technical specifications for chemical analysis and monitoring of water status” has been transposed.
Our Work:
- Implementing Nature-Based Solutions to enhance flood resilience.
- Developing climate adaptation strategies for flood-prone areas.
- Engaging communities in flood risk awareness and preparedness programs.
Directive 91/676/EEC “Concerning the protection of waters against pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural sources,” as amended by Regulations (EC) No. 1882/2003 and No. 1137/2008, aims to protect water quality by preventing nitrate pollution from agricultural sources and promoting the use of good agricultural practices.
In Albania, the transposition of this directive is still at an early stage, with only four provisions incorporated into the national legislation so far.
Our Work:
- Promoting sustainable agriculture techniques that reduce nitrate runoff.
- Providing training for farmers on responsible fertilizer use.
- Encouraging integrated nutrient management strategies.
This directive ensures that coastal and inland bathing waters meet high quality standards for public health and environmental protection. Bathing WatersDirective was completely transposed with DCM “On the approval of hygienic sanitary regulation” and “For the management of bathing water quality”, approved in 2010.
Our Work:
- Conducting water quality monitoring in recreational waters.
- Promoting eco-friendly tourism practices to protect bathing sites.
- Advocating for improved wastewater treatment infrastructure near bathing areas.
Green Agenda
Water Resource Management: Key Developments and Gaps
- A new Law on Water Resources (April 2024) was adopted to improve alignment with the Drinking Water Directive, Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive, and Nitrates Directive.
- By DCM No. 73, 7.2.2018 was approved the national strategy for the integrated management of water resources 2018-2027.
- The new Law (No. 15/2024) on the Strategy for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Republic of Albania which partially aligns with Directive 2008/56/EC (Marine Strategy Framework Directive) establishes the framework for developing and implementing Albania’s Marine Environment Protection Strategy.
- River Basin Management Plans (RBMPs) were approved for Drini-Buna, Seman, Ishmi, Erzeni, and Mati rivers, while plans for Shkumbini and Vjosa rivers are still pending. For Drini-Buna and Seman RBMPs the second cycle of management plan is in progress while the water resources management issues document for Vjosa river is finalised and published for public consultation.
- Flood hazard maps have been completed for 96% of flood-prone areas, while flood risk maps cover 84% of such regions.
- By DCM No. 499, date 1.8.2024 was approved the Flood Risk Management Plan for Specific Areas Prone to Flooding or at Risk of Potential Flooding, Covering Drin-Buna 4, 5, and 6. (2024-2030).
- The National Strategy for Water Supply and Sewage (2023-2030) was adopted, but water supply and sanitation services remain insufficient, requiring increased funding, institutional capacity, and implementation mechanisms.
- Approximately 20% of the rural population lacks piped water access at home, and many utilities remain financially dependent on central government support. Additionally, the sector struggles with issues such as fragmentation of service providers, weak managerial and technical capacities, and high non-revenue water losses.
- A national water monitoring program is needed to improve coordination and ensure compliance with EU standards.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
- The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a universal call to action by the United Nations to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure peace and prosperity for all by 2030. There are 17 goals and 169 targets, covering a broad range of issues—from health and education to climate action and sustainable use of natural resources.
Why do SDGs matter for water?
Water is at the heart of sustainable development. Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) is specifically dedicated to ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. However, water also supports goals on poverty, hunger, health, energy, cities, climate, and biodiversity.
Albania has integrated the SDGs into its national development strategies, including through the Water Resources Integrated Management Strategy (2018–2027). Through a focus on sustainable, inclusive, and equitable water governance, the strategy contributes directly to environmental protection, social well-being, and economic development. Specifically:
SDG 5 – Gender Equality
- The strategy promotes equal access to water services, emphasizing non-discrimination in decision-making, service delivery, and participation in water management.
- It encourages the involvement of women in water governance processes and in community consultations during river basin planning and implementation.
SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation
- By aiming to expand equitable access to safe drinking water, particularly in rural and marginalized areas.
- Through improving sanitation services and integrating wastewater management into urban development.
- By promoting water-use efficiency across sectors, especially agriculture, through irrigation modernization and measuring.
- With the adoption of river basin management plans and integrated water resources management (IWRM), the strategy provides a legal and institutional framework for coordinated water governance.
SDG 13 – Climate Action
- The strategy includes measures for risk management of droughts and floods, and promotes awareness on water-related climate impacts. It also supports the development of monitoring systems and early warning mechanisms.
SDG 14 – Life Below Water
- It supports the reduction of pollution into marine ecosystems by improving urban wastewater treatment and protecting coastal and marine waters through legislation and planning.
SDG 15 – Life on Land
- The strategy contributes to the protection of freshwater ecosystems and their sustainable use, aligning with actions to prevent degradation of land and protect biodiversity in river basins and wetlands.