Empowering Local Democracy: Insights from Tirana’s Conference on European Integration

On Tuesday 5th March, ALDA had the pleasure to participate at the “National Conference on European Integration and Citizen Engagement in Local Democracy”, in Tirana, Albania. The conference was convened by the Juxtaposing Political Offers Network (POP), which served as a gathering opportunity for stakeholders in the advancement of democratic principles and European integration at the local level. The conference provided a platform for discussions and exchanging ideas to foster transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in governance.

The conference started with warm welcomes from Mrs. Mirela Arqimandriti, Executive Director of the Gender Alliance for Development Center, and distinguished guests including Mr. Arbjan Mazniku, Minister of State for Local Government, H.E. Mr. Niklas Ström, Ambassador of Sweden to Albania, and Mrs. Katherine Vorderbruggen from the National Endowment for Democracy.

Insightful sessions structured the agenda, starting with « Strengthening Local Democracy through Ensuring an Inclusive Approach to Good Governance at the Local Level« , where speakers underscored the importance of initiatives aimed at promoting good governance and citizen participation, emphasising the intersectoral strategy for decentralisation and local governance 2020-2030. The discussions also focused on enhancing transparency, citizen engagement, integrity, and European integration.

The National Conference on European Integration and Civic Engagement for Local Democracy reaffirmed the commitment to democratic principles and European integration

In the second session, « Promoting the European Integration Agenda at the Local Level – Perspectives from Albania and the Region« , the panel started with a speech by Mrs. Katica Janeva, Director of ALDA Skopje & Western Balkans Coordinator. Katica shared ALDA’s experiences and initiatives aimed at advancing public administration reform. She illustrated ALDA’s focus on local administration and integrity in the European Union, emphasising citizen engagement as essential for addressing societal complexities, highlighting the Association’s initiatives in youth empowerment, combating brain drain in Western Balkan countries, and supporting local governance reforms. Finally, representatives from Albania and the region discussed the need for specialised, non-bureaucratic, and transparent public administration to address European integration challenges effectively.

In the last session, « The Impact of Municipal Councils on Achieving the Intersectoral Strategy for Decentralization and Local Governance 2023-2030« , the discussions centred on the role of Municipal Councils in implementing strategies that reflect the needs of local communities. Speakers emphasised collaboration with central and local authorities to promote transparent and inclusive governance.

Throughout the conference, open discussions fostered meaningful exchanges, allowing participants to address challenges and opportunities related to local democracy and European integration. The event concluded with a summary, highlighting the importance of continued collaboration and efforts to drive positive change.

The National Conference on European Integration and Civic Engagement for Local Democracy reaffirmed the commitment to democratic principles and European integration.