The project will support the authorities in enhancing the rights of persons belonging to national minorities in Albania, by addressing the legislation, policy and practice. Expert advice will be provided with a view to preparing legislation on the protection of national minorities. In addition, steps will be taken to strengthen the capacity of the authorities to implement the new legislation as well as the European standards for the protection of national minorities. Finally, the project will seek to provide the authorities with comprehensive expertise with respect to the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages.

The project started on 1 January 2017 and will be completed on 23 May 2019. It has an overall budget of 200 000 Euros. It is funded by the European Union and the Council of Europe, under the "Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Turkey", and is implemented by the Council of Europe.

• Develop a comprehensive national legal framework for the protection of national minorities;
• Enhance the capacity of the authorities to implement the national legislation and European standards on the protection of national minorities;
• Increase the awareness about the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages.

• Enhanced expertise with a view to preparing legislation on the protection of national minorities;
• Increased knowledge of the national and local authorities about the rights of persons belonging to national minorities and their protection, in line with the European standards;
• Comprehensive information about the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages made available to the authorities.