TIRANA, Dec 24 /ATA/ The 2024 SIGMA Monitoring Report, which evaluates the performance of public administration in countries of the region, has once again ranked Albania at the top of the list for progress in four out of six areas assessed in public administration.
“Albania remains a regional leader in the functioning of public administration in five out of six thematic areas, particularly in public finance management, civil service and human resource management, as well as in the development and coordination of policies for public administration reform,” states the SIGMA report on Public Administration Principles.
The report underscores the establishment of the position of Minister of State for Public Administration and Anti-Corruption as a significant and positive development.
“The appointment of a dedicated Minister of State for Public Administration and Anti-Corruption in January 2024 is an important milestone that highlights the political responsibility for public administration reform,” states the SIGMA monitoring report for 2024.
SIGMA evaluates that recruitment in the Albanian public administration is based on merit and transparency, and that the increase in salaries has made the civil service more attractive.
The SIGMA report states that the civil service has become a more attractive employer, with increased salary satisfaction following a 46% salary increase in the public sector. Working conditions that impact employee well-being, such as remote work options, flexible hours, consultations with employee representatives, and job satisfaction surveys, are receiving greater focus within the civil service. Additionally, 86% of surveyed civil servants would recommend their institution as a great place to work, marking the highest result in the region.
In terms of ensuring accountability and oversight in the public sector, SIGMA notes that transparency has improved, including public consultations and access to information, while oversight mechanisms have been strengthened.
“Albania has made progress in establishing a stable legal framework for access to official information, and the Commissioner for the Right to Information and Protection of Personal Data is an effective authority in ensuring the handling of information requests,” states the SIGMA monitoring report.
Regarding the field of digitalization and the provision of public services, the public administration has made significant progress. According to SIGMA, the integration of registries and the interoperability of systems represent a major achievement, simplifying procedures and reducing administrative burden.
“Albania has made progress in the digitalization of public services, with 95% of services now available through the e-Albania platform, improving online access to services for citizens and businesses,” states the report.
According to the report, the Public Procurement legislation is in line with European Union directives, thanks to further legal changes in 2024 that enhance transparency, competition, and the use of digital tools such as electronic procurement.
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