Albania establishes European integration units in all municipalities
- The EU for Municipalities program has supported the establishment of European integration units in all municipalities of Albania.
- A total of 2,200 local officials received training to enhance their knowledge of EU policies and project management.
- The EU plans to increase funding for local governments, indicating a sustained commitment to supporting the integration process.
In Albania, the recent closing ceremony of the EU-funded program, Municipalities for Europe, was held in Tirana on November 25, 2024. The event gathered ministers, mayors, and representatives from newly formed Integration Units across all 61 municipalities. A significant achievement of the program included training 2,200 local officials on EU programs and project management, emphasizing the importance of local governance in the EU integration process. EU Ambassador Silvio Gonzato highlighted the role of local communities and citizens in driving democracy and participation as Albania progresses towards EU negotiations. The EU plans to allocate an increased budget of €10 million to the next phase of the “EU for Municipalities” program, starting in 2025, aiming to further support local governments and their integration initiatives.