TIRANA, Nov 25 /ATA/ – Switzerland’s Ambassador to Albania, Ruth Huber, on Tuesday underscored the importance of local-government decentralisation as the country advances on the path toward the European Union membership, saying performance-based financing was key to improving services.
Speaking at a conference on the Municipal Performance Measurement System, an incentive-based policy aimed at strengthening public services, Huber said Switzerland had long supported Albania’s decentralisation and municipal capacity-building efforts.
“We remain a strong partner in this field. We are encouraged by the improving performance of municipalities, though the report also highlights challenges that must be addressed in the coming months,” Swiss Ambassador said.
Huber described the recently introduced performance-measurement system as an important tool that helps municipalities improve their work.
“This is a significant step toward the maturity and leadership of local government. It shows municipalities are ready to develop themselves, which is a cornerstone of decentralisation,” she said.
She added that the system of performance metrics and grants mirrors mechanisms used in the EU, where performance-based financing plays a key role in regional policy. “Albania is preparing even better for EU membership. Municipalities that actively engage and seek these grants are better positioned to access EU funds in the near future,” Huber said.
Decentralisation, she stressed, brings more delegated functions, greater autonomy and better services for citizens.
“Switzerland will continue to support Albania in this important transformation,” she added.
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