TIRANA, Feb 11 /ATA/ State Minister for Local Government, Ervin Demo, stated on Wednesday that municipalities in the country have been evaluated for their social plans through the Performance –based Grant.
Minister Demo made this statement during the event titled “Social Fund 2026 – A Guarantee for the Sustainability of Services for Citizens’ Welfare,” which was attended by Prime Minister Edi Rama, Minister of Health and Social Welfare Evis Sala, European Union Ambassador Silvio Gonzato, and UNICEF Representative in Albania, Murat Sahin.
Minister Demo noted that “the municipality represents the point where the state interacts with citizens on a daily basis.”
“By introducing municipal support via the Social Fund, we laid the groundwork for the first steps towards sustainability. For years, and even decades, Albania relied on donor support to enable municipalities to develop local capacities to address key issues, especially those impacting citizens. However, financial constraints and a lack of capacity meant municipalities struggled to ensure the long-term viability of these projects,” said Minister Demo.
“As municipalities enhance their financial capacity, now visible in the field, they will continue to prioritize social services as a core element of social policy. Social plans have been a key criterion for municipalities’ evaluation under the Performance –based Grant. In 2026, we will assess the effectiveness and quality of social services provided by municipalities, focusing on their ability to address citizens’ needs in line with EU standards for service delivery,” he added.
Minister Demo emphasized that while municipalities face numerous challenges, the Social Fund, alongside government support, remains available to address these issues.
“The 17% increase in the Social Fund for 2026 clearly reflects the existing needs on the ground, underscoring the government’s responsibility. The participation of municipal mayors demonstrates their commitment to prioritizing social services within local budgets,” Demo concluded.
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