EU4Schools Programme Completed, Bringing Safer and More Inclusive education facilities to 25,000 children and academic staff

UNDP Albania

June 16, 2026

EU4Schools Programme Completed, Bringing Safer and More Inclusive education facilities to 25,000 children and academic staff.

UNDP Albania

The €75 million EU-funded programme, implemented by UNDP, successfully rebuilt or rehabilitated 63 educational facilities across the 11 municipalities most affected by the 2019 earthquake.

TIRANA, 16 June 2026 — The EU4Schools Programme officially concluded today with a closing ceremony. Held under the theme "The Power of European Solidarity," the event brought together senior government officials, representatives of the European Union and the United Nations, local government representatives, education professionals, students, parents and community members to celebrate a landmark achievement in Albania's recovery from the devastating earthquake of 26 November 2019.

Funded by the European Union with a budget of €75 million and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with an additional contribution of €765,000 from UNDP, the Programme successfully rebuilt or rehabilitated 63 educational facilities across 11 earthquake-affected municipalities: Krujë, Durrës, Kurbin, Kamëz, Kavajë, Tirana, Mirditë, Lezhë, Rrogozhinë, Shijak, and Vorë.

The Programme benefitted approximately 25,000 students, teachers, and children, providing them with safe, inclusive, modern, and resilient learning environments built to the highest international standards.

The EU4Schools Programme was launched following the International Donors' Conference "Together for Albania," organised by the European Union in Brussels on 17 February 2020 to support the country's reconstruction efforts after the earthquake.

Guided by the principles of Build Back Better and Build Back Together, the Programme went beyond rebuilding damaged infrastructure. Every educational facility was designed and constructed in accordance with Eurocode 8 seismic standards, incorporated renewable energy solutions, and was made fully accessible to children and students with disabilities. The new facilities also included dedicated medical rooms and psychosocial support spaces, creating healthier and more supportive learning environments.

Beyond construction, the Programme placed communities at the centre of the reconstruction process. Through 69 consultation meetings and 53 site visits, 2,790 students, parents, teachers, community members, and representatives of local and central government actively participated in shaping the schools, fostering a strong sense of ownership and ensuring the long-term sustainability of investment.

Transparency and accountability remained central throughout implementation. Since its launch in January 2021, the EU4Schools Transparency Portal provided real-time information on construction progress, programme statistics, reports, and implementation updates, setting a new benchmark for openness in Albania's reconstruction process.

The event included two panel discussions, "Partnership for Quality Education" and "Delivering Change: The Real Impact of EU4Schools on Education and Communities," during which municipal representatives, engineers, financial experts, school directors, students, and parents reflected on the Programme's achievements and the lasting impact of investing in resilient, inclusive education.

“When the earthquake struck Albania, the European Union stood with Albanians from day one. Within hours, rescue teams and emergency assistance from EU Member States arrived. That solidarity did not stop with the emergency. Through EU4Schools, we helped communities recover, rebuild and build back better. We did not simply restore buildings; we built resilience and provided opportunities for more modern, inclusive and quality teaching.

Today, we mark the closure of this project, but the European Union’s commitment to Albania does not end here. We will continue to support Albanian youth achieve their ambitions through high-quality education and vocational training,” said EU Ambassador to Albania, Silvio Gonzato.

Randi Davis, UNDP Resident Representative in Albania

UNDP Albania

"The EU4Schools Programme demonstrated the power of European solidarity in action. The completion of all 63 educational facilities marked a transformative milestone for thousands of children, families, and communities across Albania, leaving a lasting legacy of resilience, inclusion, and quality education.We thank the European Union for its trust, partnership, and funding in making this programme possible, and to the Government of Albania and local municipalities for their close collaboration throughout its implementation. Together, we have rebuilt schools,restored hope, strengthened communities, and invested in a better future for generations to come", — Randi Davis, UNDP Resident Representative in Albania

About EU4Schools

EU4Schools was a €75 million programme funded by the European Union and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in cooperation with the Government of Albania. Launched in response to the November 2019 earthquake, the Programme rebuilt or rehabilitated 63 educational facilities across 11 municipalities, benefiting approximately 25,000 students, teachers, and children. All facilities were designed and constructed according to the highest international standards, embodying the principles of resilience, sustainability, inclusion, and community participation, and leaving a lasting contribution to Albania's education system and long-term recovery.