2026: From Achieved Results to New Opportunities through European Projects
With more than half of 2026 already behind us, the Tirana Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIT) takes a moment to look at the progress and results achieved through the European projects implemented and managed during the year.
An important part of this engagement is linked to the Erasmus+ Programme, through which CCIT continues to contribute to initiatives bringing businesses closer to education and vocational training, while supporting skills development and the digital and green transitions.
ONE FUTURE – successfully completed
In March 2026, ONE FUTURE was successfully completed after three years of international cooperation. The project leaves behind concrete results in the fields of sustainability and climate action, including educational resources, cooperation tools and a Book of Case Studies, creating a knowledge base that can continue to be used beyond the project’s lifetime.
RAPPORT – moving from capacity building to practical implementation
RAPPORT has now reached an important stage of its implementation. Following capacity-building activities and work on identifying labour-market needs, the project is moving towards the practical use of curricula, learning resources and assessment tools addressing green, digital and entrepreneurial skills. The next important step will be the Train-the-Trainers workshops taking place in September and October.
CIRCULAR TOURISM – building skills for a more sustainable tourism sector
Circular Tourism is translating circular economy principles into practical support for Albania’s tourism sector. Capacity-building activities for VET educators and SMEs have already been developed, including practical workshops and a mentoring scheme supporting businesses in applying more sustainable approaches to their operations.
DERHE – approaching project completion
DERHE – Digital Education Readiness in the Field of Higher Education is entering the final months of implementation and is expected to conclude in October 2026. One of its concrete results is the development of 12 blended-learning courses covering areas such as digitalisation, Industry 5.0, energy efficiency and process optimisation, responding to industry needs identified also through the participating Chambers of Commerce. As part of the final phase, CCIT will also organise a dedicated dissemination event to share the project’s results and experience with relevant stakeholders.
A new cycle of Erasmus+ projects
Alongside the results achieved through ongoing and completed projects, 2026 has also marked the beginning of a new cycle of Erasmus+ cooperation for CCIT.
ENTAIL brings a renewed focus on entrepreneurship and digital learning in vocational education and training, including the development of new tools and approaches for VET and stronger links between education and the business community.
TechSou4SME is another new addition to CCIT’s Erasmus+ portfolio, further expanding opportunities for European cooperation and support for SMEs. Its first activities and results will be shared as implementation progresses.
Beyond Erasmus+: AI4DigiT under the Digital Europe Programme
In 2026, CCIT’s European engagement has also expanded beyond Erasmus+ through the Digital Europe Programme.
CCIT is a partner in AI4DigiT – Artificial Intelligence for Digital Transformation in Albania, a European Digital Innovation Hub (EDIH) for Albania. Through AI4DigiT, Albanian SMEs can access support related to digital maturity assessment, the adoption of AI and advanced digital technologies, skills development and access to financing opportunities.
From projects successfully completed with concrete results, to initiatives entering their final stages and new partnerships just beginning, 2026 reflects the continuity of CCIT’s engagement in European programmes.
For CCIT, the value of these projects goes beyond the activities implemented. Their real impact lies in the knowledge, tools, partnerships and opportunities they bring to businesses, professionals, education providers and the wider Albanian economic ecosystem.
Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the relevant granting authority. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
