TIRANA, Oct 23 /ATA/ For the first time, Albania will host the Euro-Mediterranean Regional and Local Assembly (ARLEM), a forum aimed at strengthening cooperation between local and regional authorities in European Union countries and partners in the Southern Mediterranean.
Over three days, more than 80 representatives of local and regional authorities will discuss shared challenges, focusing on climate change, young people and sustainable development in the Euro-Mediterranean region.
Speaking on A2 CNN, Roskovec Mayor and ARLEM board member Majlinda Bufi highlighted the importance of holding the event in Albania, describing it as an opportunity for Albanian municipalities to establish new partnerships and benefit from the experience of European countries.
“Among all the countries participating in this platform, we have the opportunity to establish partnerships with one another. ARLEM undertakes numerous initiatives and projects, and this undoubtedly makes it easier for us to gain greater access to all these projects,” she said.
She stressed that hosting the assembly in Albania comes at an important moment in the European integration process, creating additional opportunities for local government to meet the European Union’s obligations and recommendations.
According to her, the event could help Albanian municipalities expand international cooperation, gain better access to information on funding opportunities and strengthen the professional capacities of local government administrations.
“This is an opportunity for local government and municipalities across the country to access new opportunities and an additional source of information. Many Albanian mayors will be attending to explore these opportunities, listen and, why not, create new avenues for each municipality,” Bufi said.
Bufi highlighted the Pact for the Mediterranean’s three key pillars — climate, people and territory — noting that they would feature in the forum’s discussions. Some activities on the third day will take place in Roskovec, welcoming municipal representatives from Mediterranean and EU countries, including France, Spain and Italy.
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