Connected for Cohesion

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-A IPA Italy Albania Montenegro (South Adriatic)

Date of latest update: 2026-04-02

Description

Description (EN):

Following the inclusion in 2024 of WB6 into the new WBs European Transport Corridor (WBTC) TEN-T network - Puglia becoming WBTC entry gate - there is a pressing need to assess & address the connectivity gaps & harmonisation needs across the South-Adriatic area (SAA). This requires a combination of specialized knowledge; technical, managerial & financial skills, policy-making capacity, & CB coordination. Building on previous achievements of SAGOV project (focused on maritime connectivity), & the Roadmap for SA programme, Co4Co tackles the challenges in the rail sector, by: 1) conducting a comprehensive assessment of rail connectivity sector on the SA 2 sides, 2) enhancing the capacities of ALB & MNE rail companies, 3) improving access to financing for rail/ logistics / multi-modal emergency adapted infrastructure, etc. projects from the Growth Plan for the WBs, ESIF, CEF, RRF, PESCO &: 4) facilitating the transfer of expertise from Puglia & Molise to ALB & MNE, especially in connectivity planning & access to EU supporting instruments. -Co4Co overall objective: To enhance TEN-T access readiness of South Adriatic region and increasing its footprint in EU policy making in transport sector. The project is expected to bring in several transformative changes in SAA rail sector, particularly in the context of its integration into the Core TEN-T network before 2030, through: i) an Improved Rail Connectivity: a comprehensive assessment of the rail sector will assess gaps & areas for improvement; ii) Increased Financing Scenarios for CBC initiatives; iii) Knowledge Transfer & Expertise Sharing, which will strengthen candidate countries' strategic capabilities & increase their participation in EU infrastructure & transport policies; iv) Enhanced Integration into the TEN-T Network: As a result of these efforts, the SA region will become more integrated into the TEN-T network, improving its readiness to access EU corridors. This will increase the region’s visibility & influence in EU relevant policies post 2027, facilitating greater economic cooperation & growth. Finally, the project will practically improve the preparedness of AL & MNE for Chapters 14& 21. - The main outputs are: i) State of Play of Candidate Countries preparedness to access EU Connectivity-supporting instruments (rail/ logistics / multi-modal emergency adapted infrastructure, incl. dual-use & security components) & policy-making. A comprehensive report assessing the current readiness of candidate countries to engage in EU funding opportunities in the above domain.; ii) Knowledge Transfer Program on EU Instruments and Funds Applicable in the South Adriatic Area - a tailored capacity-building program designed to enhance the knowledge of connectivity actors in the SA regarding the full spectrum of EU toolboxes, particularly those related to connectivity, competitiveness, defense & cohesion policies iii) Increased Visibility & Impact of the SA in EU Policy-Making & footprint in EU Connectivity related instruments. The goal is to ensure the SA’s needs & contributions are recognized & reflected in EU decision-making processes, particularly in relation to connectivity. Beneficiaries of those outputs: Connectivity actors in EU institutions, SAA public authorities, private entities, academia & civil society, engaged citizens. - Connectivity challenges in SAA, transcend national borders. Infrastructure gaps, policy fragmentation, & capacity challenges are common across region. A CB approach allows for coordinated solutions to shared problems. The presence of WB6 in the WBTC Core TEN-T network & of Puglia in Corridor VIII, makes CBC obligatory for advancing Core network completion before 2030 & receiving EU support. The ongoing debate on the Pre-Enlargement EU Policy reviews, the Letta's Report, Draghi Report, & White paper for European Defense - Readiness 2030 & the High-Level Group on the Future of Cohesion Policy Report, highlight that costly deficiencies in CB integration and the need to be addressed jointly. Strengthening cooperation & governance in CB areas are of key importance. EU Cohesion policy & financial support make cooperation at both policy-making and at finance acquisition a precondition for a successful connectivity endevour. The project innovative approach embeds SAA connectivity ecosystem to the ongoing review of EU policies, for a better & more connected SA region. The project will enhance the potential for securing EU funding & creates a unified voice for advocating the SA region’s interests at EU level. -Co4Co: i) creates functional partnerships between SAA actors in connectivity policies and in joint projects; ii) introduces a pro-active approach vis-à-vis EU instruments & programs; iii) and provides a multi stakeholder & multilayered policy-making and project approach, that brings Development, Cohesion, competitiveness & defense in the same framework; iv) for the 1st time directly involves AL & MNE rail companies in Interreg projects.

Expected Achievements (EN):

Enhanced SAA strategy addressing TEN-T rail policy and infrastructure gaps Enhanced rail transport planning and coordination across the South Adriatic Area, through joint data sharing, capacity building, and policy alignment Increased SAA rail connectivity actors' preparedness for and footprint in the new EU's Cohesion policy and respective instruments toolbox, including on the new MFF 2028-2034

Project outputs: State of Affairs of Rail Sector in SAA(EN)
A prototype of Data Science-Based Model (DSBM) focused on EU project awareness, preparation, implementation, monitoring and reporting. (EN)
A tailored Knowledge Transfer & Absorption Program delivered to key stakeholders(EN)
Joint cooperation scenario for participation in EU connectivity programs(EN)

Thematic information

Governance, partnership Improving transport connections Knowledge and technology transfer

Priority: (VI-A_SA(I-A-M)_PA 3) A more connected South Adriatic programme area by enhancing mobility and regional connectivity

Priority specific objective: RSO3.2. Developing and enhancing sustainable, climate resilient, intelligent and intermodal national, regional and local mobility, including improved access to TEN-T and cross-border mobility

Priority policy objective (Interreg specific objective): PO3 A more connected Europe by enhancing mobility

Type of intervention: 108 Multimodal transport (TEN-T)

Partners (5)

Lead Partner: Instituti për Bashkëpunim dhe Zhvillim

Partner’s ID if not PIC: L11523451E | info@cdinstitute.eu (EN)

Department: Cooperation and Development Institute

Address: Rruga Dervish Hima, ADA Tower, 1001 Tirana, Albania

Department address: Rruga Dervish Hima, ADA Tower, 1001 Tirana, Albania

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website: http://www.cdinstitute.eu

Total budget: EUR 423 434.70

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 359 919.49

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 63 515.21

Željeznička infrastruktura Crne Gore AD

Name: Željeznička infrastruktura Crne Gore AD

Department: Sector of investments and foreign placements

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 30/31-07906-2 | dragan.radevic@zicg.me (EN)

Address: Trg Golootočkih žrtava, 81000 Podgorica, Montenegro

Department address: Trg Golootočkih žrtava, 81000 Podgorica, Montenegro

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Infrastructure and (public) service provider

Website: http://www.zicg.me

Total budget: EUR 122 409.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 104 047.65

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 18 361.35

Regione Molise

Name: Regione Molise

Department: Civil Protection Service

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 992578012

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 00169440708 | regionemolise@cert.regione.molise.it (EN)

Address: Via Genova, 86100 Campobasso, Italy

Department address: Contrada Selva del Campo, 86020 Campochiaro, Italy

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Regional public authority

Website: http://www.regione.molise.it

Total budget: EUR 144 963.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 115 970.40

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 28 992.60

STRUTTURA SPECIALE MONITORAGGIO DELL'ATTUAZIONE REGIONALE DEL PIANO NAZIONALE DI RIPRESA E RESILIENZA – Regione Puglia

Name: STRUTTURA SPECIALE MONITORAGGIO DELL'ATTUAZIONE REGIONALE DEL PIANO NAZIONALE DI RIPRESA E RESILIENZA – Regione Puglia

Department: Gabinetto

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 01105250722 | capogabinetto.presidente.regione@pec.rupar.puglia.it (EN)

Address: Lungomare Nazario Sauro, 70121 Bari, Italy

Department address: Lungomare Nazario Sauro, 70121 Bari, Italy

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Regional public authority

Website: https://www.regione.puglia.it

Total budget: EUR 290 241.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 232 192.80

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 58 048.20

Hekurudha Shqiptare

Name: Hekurudha Shqiptare

Department: The Administrator of Company (CEO), Project Management and Implementation Unit

Partner’s ID if not PIC: J61811547D | Ergys.verdho@hekurudha.al (EN)

Address: Egnatia street, quarter 3, 2001 Durres, Albania

Department address: Egnatia street, quarter 3, 2001 Durres, Albania

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Infrastructure and (public) service provider

Website: http://www.hekurudha.al

Total budget: EUR 98 280.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 83 538.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 14 742.00

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

Railway Infrastructure of Montenegro JSC

Connected for Cohesion

Partners and Projects info

Molise Region

Connected for Cohesion

Partners and Projects info

SPECIAL STRUCTURE MONITORING REGIONAL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NATIONAL RECOVERY AND RESILIENCE PLAN – Puglia Region

Connected for Cohesion

Partners and Projects info

Albanian Railways

Connected for Cohesion

Partners and Projects info

Instituti per Bashkepunim dhe Zhvillim

Connected for Cohesion

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): Connected for Cohesion

Project acronym: Co4Co

Project ID: SA-0300462

Project start date: 2025-07-01

Project end date: 2027-09-30

Project status: ongoing

Relevant linked projects:

South Adriatic Connectivity Governance - SAGOV (EN) | The project SAGOV and SAGOV+ (focused on capitalisation) promoted connectivity networks in the South Adriatic area, with a focus on the maritime transport. It provided an exchange of best practices, singled out respective challenges and produced concrete examples of cooperation in policy-making promoting joint strategic connectivity projects in this region.
A major achievement was the promotion of the Western leg of Corridor VIII from Skopje to Puglia and its inclusion in the Western Balkans TEN-T core network.
Co4Co will built upon SAGOV and SAGOV+ networks, knowledge and expertise to extend maritime connectivity to cover rail, reinforce corridor multi-modality, and promote closer links between Montenegrin, Albanian and Italian nodes WB European Transport Corridor.
(EN), SMART – Connected we Can (supported by Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs) (EN) | The ongoing project aims to bring in infrastructure projects of the EU Economic and Investment plan for the Western Balkans, the specialized civil society actors. Through this project CDI is coordinating 5 partners in each of SEE6 countries to monitor the Economic and Investment Plan infrastructure projects, six of which are in Transport sector. CDI is monitoring Durres - Rrogozhine rail segment, part of Corridor VIII. In the framework of this project, partners have carried a region’s wide consultation and promotion of transport connectivity projects, have published two major studies on CSO engagement in EU-supported infrastructure projects, have organised 6 presentation events in each of SEE6 capital cities together with EU Delegations and Transport Permanent Secretariat, and have included its conclusions of this consultation in the Official Declaration of the Transport Community Treaty Social Summit held in June 2024 in Sarajevo.
Co4Co will build upon and further develop the research parameters and engagement model developed during this project to apply in the inclusion of public rail companies into project identification and development. It will also use its established network with Transport Permanent Secretariat and EU delegation in Albania and in Montenegro to promote project results and insert project outcomes in regional policy-making processes.
(EN), Tirana Connectivity Forum - TCF (EN) | Over the last ten years, TCF has fostered innovative ideas and enriching dialogues on a wide range of subjects including multi-layered connectivity and regional cooperation; transformative reforms and all-permeating institutional good governance; security of infrastructure and resilience of reforms; robust EU conditionality and solid European solidarity; enlargement and cohesion.
Since 20215 TCF is part of the EU presidency Calendar of activities, thus offering high visibility on its topics, advocacy efforts and debates. The TCF workings offers a framework platform that encourages participants to: i) acquire insights into the most recent trends in policy-making regarding connectivity and regional cooperation, as well as in prioritizing and implementing concrete projects in the South-East Europe 6 (SEE6) region; and, ii) transform placed-based knowledge, hands-on policy-making and project management experience into innovative Accession tools adapted to the profile of Western Balkans region as well as current EU dynamics and challenges.
TCF provides the methodological socle and collaborative tools essential for politicians, policy-makers, project implementers, financial institutions, businesses and societal actors to communicate, exchange, debate and reach a common understanding on challenges and strategies needed to navigate SEE6 development path, and region’s progress towards EU membership.
To achieve high visibility at EU and WB level, Co4Co will be launched as part of TCF25, will have a thematic contribution at TCF26, and its closure event will be hosted at TCF27. (EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 1 079 327.70

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 895 668.34

Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 82.98%

Co-financing sources:

IPA/IPA II/IPA III: Amount, EUR 895 668.34. Co-financing rate, 82.98%.

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)

Deliverables:

Partnership Agreement
1 set of Project Visual identity and 1 set of informative and visibility materials designed
Two Conferences and Three Steering Committees (SC)
One Assessment report of the current state of affairs and future needs of rail sector
Report on ITA stakeholders' knowledge on rail sector future development in SA.
Thematic workshops/ roundtable/ seminars
Prototype DSBM developed and operational
One Report on DSBM Operational Performance
Project Communication Group (SCG) established and functional
Visibility and Communication Plan (VCP) adopted and implemented.
Report on two case studies of Cohesion funds and / or RRF supported infrastructure investments
Knowledge sharing activities
KTAP Strategic Group set up, and KTAP Programme designed and approved by the Strategic Group
Building and sharing knowledge: KTAP implementation
Set up and Operationalisation of Strategic Advocacy Group (SAG)
Outreach and Advocacy Strategy prepared
Position Paper
Public Engagement and Media Campaign
One rail cooperation scenario

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

EUStrategyAdriaticIonianRegion EUSAIR Pillar 2 (Subgroup on Transport) has as a priority the increase of rail connectivity in the Adriatic and Ionian Region. The EUSAIR Transport Master Plan aims for a shared strategic vision for transport and mobility in the AI region.
Based on the revised EUSAIR Action Plan and on the conclusions of the 9th Annual Forum in Sibenik held on 15-16 May 2024, the project Co4Co can contribute to the Master Plan objectives by: i) providing timely and comprehensive information on the framework of rail infrastructure project priorities for AL and MNE; and ii) identifying and preparing for upcoming EU instruments needed for upgrading the existing networks.
Interreg projects such as Co4Co can play an important role in supporting commitment and analytical needs required by the overall EUSAIR strategy. They can support an in-depth (ex-ante/ex-post) demand analysis, identify innovative and efficient ways of raising capacities of EUSAIR actors, and enable testing for new connections. Moreover, Co4Co foresees cooperation dynamics with EUSAIR stakeholders with regard to the Enlargement priority, especially during the implementation of the project WP3 activities.
Positive results of Co4Co (as in the case of SAGOV) can convince public authorities to invest cross-border connectivity, increase inflow of EU support, and increase their visibility.
Other GLOBAL GATEWAY is the European strategy to boost smart, clean and secure connections in digital, energy and transport sectors. A such it covers Western Balkans countries. Global Gateway aims to mobilise up to €300 billion in investments in connectivity projects all around the world.
Even if for the moment there are no Global Gateway Rail projects in Albania or in Montenegro, the project Co4Co will contribute to the pool of knowledge available on EU Connectivity Projects implemented in 3rd countries, covering project development, financing acquisition and cooperation EU – Beneficiary country from policy-making level to project implementation.
Global Gateway is fully aligned with the UN’s Agenda 2030 and its Sustainable Development Goals, as well as the Paris Agreement.

Programme Common Output Indicator:

RCO 116 - Jointly developed solutions, Measurement unit:
RCO 083 - Strategies and action plans jointly developed, Measurement unit:

Programme Common Result Indicator:

RCR 104 - Solutions taken up or up-scaled by organisations, Measurement unit:
RCR 079 - Joint strategies and action plans taken up by organisations, Measurement unit:

Project part of European Union Macro-Regional or Sea Basin Strategy: EUSAIR

EUSAIR Priority (Policy) area / Horizontal action:

EUSAIR Degree of compliance:

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

Financing programme

2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-A IPA Italy Albania Montenegro (South Adriatic)

Last month that data in keep.eu was retrieved from the Programme's website or received from the Programme

2026-04-02

No. of projects in keep.eu / Total no. of projects (% of projects in keep.eu)

78 / 78 (100%)

No. of project partnerships in keep.eu / Total no. of project partnerships (% of project partnerships in keep.eu)

369 / 369 (100%)

Notes on the data

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Connected for Cohesion

Description

Thematic information

Partners (5)

Partners map

Summary

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

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