ALGORA Project Launches: Advancing Local Governance and Civic Engagement in Albania

On 23 April 2026, the ALGORA project Advancing Local Governance and Civic Engagement through Institutional Reform in Albania held its first Steering Committee Meeting in Tirana.

Chaired by Giulia Re, Head of the Council of Europe Office in Tirana, the meeting gathered representatives from the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities, the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Albania, the Office of the Minister of State for Public Administration and Anti-Corruption, the Department of Public Administration, the Albanian School of Public Administration, the Agency for the Support of Local Governance, and the National Association of Municipalities in Albania.

Participants reaffirmed their shared commitment to promoting effective, transparent, and inclusive local governance. Opening remarks highlighted the project’s critical role in supporting ongoing reforms, strengthening human resource management, expanding professional development opportunities, and enhancing civic participation at all levels of local administration.

The project team detailed ALGORA’s main objectives and approach, including tailored training needs assessments, advancing digital tools for stronger municipal services, supporting gender equality, and developing participatory mechanisms to better involve citizens in local decision-making processes. The Steering Committee adopted the project’s Terms of Reference, setting out a clear framework for strategic guidance and collaboration during implementation.

The meeting concluded with all institutions expressing their appreciation for ALGORA’s flexible and inclusive approach, as well as their dedication to working together to achieve sustainable improvements in local governance for communities across Albania.