With regard to economic development, Minister Demo elaborated on the ‘Mountain Package’ program, stating that approximately 25 municipalities have designated priority areas. He also noted that over 300 legitimate applications are currently being handled by local authorities for the finalization of building permits in these designated zones.

Minister Demo highlighted that around 25 municipalities are preparing documentation for priority zone approval. He expressed confidence that a complete territorial map will be finalized in the coming months, with the goal of achieving 1,000 successful applications by 2026.

He expressed confidence that “in the upcoming months, a complete map of the entire territory will be finalized, and I am confident that the target we have set for 2026—1,000 successful applications—will be achieved.”

Demo further emphasized that the concept of entrepreneurial municipalities aims to transform municipalities into real economic drivers.

“The initiative for entrepreneurial municipalities is being thoroughly discussed with several municipalities across the country. I believe that in the coming months, this new concept regarding local economic development and the transformation of municipalities into real economic drivers will take shape and bring tangible changes to the territory,” said Demo.

In his speech, the Minister also addressed local capacities, focusing on the initiative of the Academy of Local Government.

“The first training sessions have started, with a focus on the preschool system and waste management processes. The Academy is an initiative that ensures sustainability, as the municipalities themselves are part of this initiative. They have committed to financially supporting the Academy of Local Government with 50% of the funding over the next three years, while the Albanian government has pledged to cover the remaining 50%,” said Demo.

Demo also addressed the topic of municipal police, underscoring that “it will be integrated at the local level within the municipalities. The revised draft, which has been distributed and will be discussed with the mayors, will clearly outline the Ministry of the Interior’s focus on ensuring national standards for the municipal police force.”

Furthermore, the Minister highlighted the importance of academic partnerships with universities to address specific challenges within the territory.

Demo stated that academic partnerships will be expanded in 2026, with universities supporting municipalities in addressing specific challenges through targeted studies and providing guidance on necessary actions.

Demo also added that the integration process will present challenges for municipalities in the country, emphasizing the need to strengthen municipalities at the local level.

Demo emphasized that territorial reform aims to address both the challenges of the integration process and the inherent issues within the territory, preparing municipalities for the future.
The Minister announced a fact-finding tour to evaluate municipal functions, stressing that a detailed analysis is key to ensuring resilient municipalities for Albania’s 2030 challenges.

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