TIRANA, May 8/ATA/ Prime Minister Edi Rama was in Durrës today, where he attended the official launch of ‘EU4Municipalities II,’ a strategic program designed to empower local government and accelerate Albania’s EU integration.
The program will support municipalities with concrete investments, build institutional capacities and modernize services for citizens.
Rama stated that this project constitutes a strategic investment of the European Union to promote the growth of municipal capacities in the horizon of Albania’s membership in the EU.
“By modernizing local institutions and building human capacity, this program addresses our most pressing current and future need. Solving this requires our total commitment today”, Rama stated.
The prime minister emphasized that the European Union and membership in the European family are a blessing for Albania, but at the same time a great challenge, especially at the local level.
According to him, modernizing local administrations is critical for delivering EU standards and fostering EU-Member State cooperation.
Rama underlined that effective local administration is crucial for maximizing EU support.
“This program goes beyond the initial €11 million financial package. It is the comprehensive, tailored design of the instrument itself that provides a compelling case for full municipal engagement and commitment”, said Rama.
He believes this program, in partnership with GIZ and local actors, will make a major contribution to Albanian local governance.
Highlighting his experience as a former mayor, Rama praised the Minister for Local Government, asserting this background will unlock the full potential of municipalities across the country.
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