The Interreg IPA CBC Programme “Greece – Albania 2014 – 2020” was approved by the European Commission on 30/07/2015 with decision C (2015) 5482. The second modification of the Programme was approved by the European Commission on 14/02/2018 with decision C (2018) 559.

The Interreg IPA CBC Programme “Greece – Albania 2014 – 2020” supports the cooperation between the two countries. Under a common fund, the two countries join forces and capitalize on the advantages of the cross-border region to achieve benefits for both countries.

The Programme is implemented under 4 thematic priorities and is structured as follows:

1. Promoting Sustainable transport, information and communication networks and services and investing in cross-border water, waste and energy systems and facilities.
2. Protecting the environment and promoting climate change adaptation and mitigation, risk prevention and management.
3. Encouraging tourism and cultural and natural heritage.
4. Enhancing competitiveness, the business environment and the development of small and medium- sized enterprises, trade and investment through, inter alia, the promotion and support of entrepreneurship, particularly in small and medium-sized enterprises, and development of local cross-border markets and internationalization.

G.A.T.E. project is implemented under the thematic priority (b) and is in accordance with the overall programme’s objective: “to find the balance between sustainable regional development and enhancement of cross-border cooperation among local population & regional institutions, in accordance with EU & national policies, in order to address common challenges through joint interventions”, because it clearly addresses the potential of RES and energy efficiency in facilities through joint interventions (small-scale investments and innovative tools), enhancing the cross-border trans-sectoral cooperation among local businesses, residents and institutions having as final scope the sustainable regional development.