Deadline: 08-Sep-2025
The Milieukontakt Albania is pleased to announce the launch of the first Call for Project Proposals under the EU-funded European Union in Albania River clean – Strengthening the Contribution of Civil Society for Plastic Reduction and Circular Solutions in Albanian River Basins’ project.
The “RIVERCLEAN – Strengthening the contribution of civil society to plastic reduction and circular solutions in the Albanian river basins” program was conceived as a comprehensive intervention to empower civil society organizations (CSOs) in Albania towards plastic reduction and the promotion of alternative solutions, with a focus on two of the most important river basins: Vjosa and Ishëm. One of the main mechanisms proposed and implemented by the program is the HAPI Index (Honest Alternatives to Plastics Index), a practical tool for auditing and orienting the HoReCa sector towards real and sustainable solutions that replace single-use plastics. The program also combines community engagement through citizen science networks and the use of technology for data collection, aiming at a concrete impact on policy-making and behavior.
Objectives
- To support the reduction of plastic pollution in Albania by empowering civil society organizations as actors that promote sustainable solutions and fair alternatives to single-use plastics, in line with the principles of the circular economy.
- To strengthen the role of civil society organizations in identifying, promoting and implementing in practice fair alternatives to single-use plastics in the HoReCa sector in the Ishëm and Vjosa river basin areas, through the use of the HAPI Index.
Priorities
- The priorities of this call are:
- Implementing the HAPI Index in practice collecting data, auditing businesses in the HoReCa sector, and providing personalized guides for improving practices towards plastic reduction.
- Promoting sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics through information campaigns, awareness-raising activities, or structured collaborations with local actors that help businesses and the community make informed choices.
- Engaging local actors in environmentally responsible behavior including citizens, HoReCa sector employees, local institutions, young people, and schools in initiatives that support reducing plastic use and increasing demand for fair alternatives.
Phases
- The Four Core Phases of the HAPI Methodology:
- “PRE-PLUNGE”: Diagnostic & Commitment
- “PLUNGE”: Co-Design & Action Planning
- “DIVE”: Implementation & Support
- “BREATH”: Reflection, Certification & Learning
Funding Information
- The total amount made available under this call for project proposals is EUR 75,000.
- Any grant requested under this call for proposals must respect the following financial limits:
- Minimum amount allowed for grant: EUR 12,000
- Maximum amount allowed per grant: EUR 15,000
- Duration: The initial duration of an action must be from a minimum of 12 months to a maximum of 14 months.
Eligible Activities
- Applicants may propose different types of actions, as long as they contribute to the objectives of this call:
- Initiatives that promote the replacement of single-use plastics with sustainable alternatives in restaurants, hotels, bars or other units of the HoReCa sector;
- Activities that implement or test the HAPI Index with local stakeholders, including self-assessment and reporting of business practices;
- Awareness campaign for consumers and clients in the areas around the Ishëm and Vjosa rivers to promote responsible behavior;
- Training and technical advice for HoReCa personnel on plastic waste management, hygiene, and green solutions;
- Activities that promote voluntary agreements or codes of conduct for plastic reduction;
- Collaborations with local authorities to integrate HAPI results into local policies or waste management plans;
- Actions that include monitoring and reporting progress at the microbusiness and community level.
Ineligible Activities
- Ineligible activities for funding include (non-exhaustive list):
- Individual sponsorships for participation in conferences or seminars;
- Support for political parties or related initiatives;
- Activities that are already funded by other EU programs;
- Purchase of land or buildings (except where it is essential and ownership is transferred);
- Activities that discriminate based on gender, sexual orientation, religious belief or ethnic origin;
- Activities that have started before the contract was signed.
Eligible Costs
- A cost is considered allowable if it meets all of the following conditions:
- is included in the approved project budget;
- it is necessary for the implementation of the action and is directly related to its activities;
- is completed during the project implementation period, as specified in the contract;
- is real, verifiable, and documented with invoices, contracts or other legal evidence;
- is in compliance with national legislation on taxes, social security and accounting rules;
- is reasonable, proportionate and justifiable in relation to the expected results of the project;
- It has not been funded or envisaged for funding from any other public or private source.
Ineligible Costs
- The following costs will not be accepted as eligible:
- VAT
- Loans and subsidies to third parties;
- Expenses declared and already financed by another public or private grant;
- Fines, penalties, legal sanctions and court costs;
- Customs, import tariffs and any other similar duties;
- Bank fees (except those related to the opening and maintenance of the dedicated project account);
- Foreign exchange expenses or losses related to changes in exchange rates;
- Depreciation costs for fixed assets;
- Debts and expenses for their processing;
- Interest on debts;
- Provisions for possible losses or unforeseen liabilities.
Eligibility Criteria
- To be eligible to receive a grant under this call, the applicant must:
- Be a legal entity;
- Be a non-profit organization (e.g. non-governmental organization, center, association, foundation);
- To be established and to exercise its activity in the territory of the Republic of Albania;
- Be directly responsible for the preparation and implementation of the project, in cooperation with co-applicants and/or affiliated entities (if any), and not act as an intermediary;
- In any case, be without legal precedent in fraudulent or corrupt activities.
- In any case, not to be involved in religious activities;
- Not be a political group/party/entity.
Application Requirements
- To be considered valid, applications must be accompanied by the following supporting documents:
- In the case of applicants who are legal entities (NGOs):
- Court registration decision (photocopy);
- Statute and Deed of Establishment of the organization (photocopy);
- Certificate of registration with the Tax Office (NIPT) (photocopy);
- Organization profile that reflects its experience in relevant fields (such as plastic pollution reduction, waste management, environmental monitoring, community initiatives, or other areas related to the goals of the Call).
- The organization’s financial statements for the past year, stamped by the Regional Tax Directorate.
For more information, visit Milieukontakt Albania.