Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance

The Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance, or simply IPA, is a funding mechanism of the European Union. As of 2007, it replaced previous programmes such as the PHARE, ISPA,  SAPARD  and CARDS. Unlike the previous assistance programs, IPA offers funds to both EU candidate countries (Albania, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Turkey) and potential candidates (Bosnia and Kosovo). The offer of funds to Kosovo is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo Declaration of Independence.