The Agency for Agricultural and Rural Development (AZHBR) took part in the ICE 2026 Conference on the Integrated Administration and Control System (IACS) in Sofia.

The European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC), together with the Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development (DG AGRI) and the Bulgarian Paying Agency, organized the conference.

The event focused on technical developments and the exchange of best practices among European authorities and paying agencies. Participants discussed new technologies, IACS services, the implementation of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and best practices for the Land Parcel Identification System (LPIS).

Meanwhile, AZHBR used the conference to exchange expertise with the European IACS community and learn about the latest CAP developments. The agency also presented Albania’s progress in developing its LPIS, a key component of the system for managing and controlling agricultural funds.

Participants also discussed challenges in implementing IACS in EU candidate countries. These issues directly relate to Albania’s efforts to align its agriculture sector with EU standards and requirements.

For AZHBR, cooperation with the JRC, European counterpart agencies and international partners remains important for strengthening technical capacities and meeting Albania’s commitments under Chapter 11, “Agriculture and Rural Development.”

The ICE Conference also provided a technical forum to prepare for the next phase of IACS. Discussions covered developments beyond 2027 and preparations for the new period of the Common Agricultural Policy.

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