The event was attended by Elbasan Mayor Gledian Llatja, Urban Research Institute Executive Director Zana Vokopola, Energy Efficiency Agency Director General Ani Hasa, National Association of Municipalities of Albania Executive Director Adelina Farrici and Sissy Windisch, chief operating officer of Imby SRL and a member of the Mission Board for Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities.

The conference presented the results of two years of GreenElb, focusing on improving energy efficiency, reducing energy consumption and promoting green solutions in buildings, households and businesses.

GreenElb was launched as a pilot project for Elbasan, with the next phase aimed at replicating and expanding the model across the city under its Climate City Contract and commitment to the European Mission for 100 Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities.

Discussions focused on next steps, investment and mechanisms to accelerate the energy transition, as well as strengthening cooperation between public institutions, businesses, academia and the community.

The event also featured an Energy Efficiency Fair showcasing technologies and practical solutions for more efficient and sustainable energy use.

Supported by the European Union through NetZeroCities, GreenElb marks another step in Elbasan’s drive towards climate neutrality, turning its ambition for a greener city into concrete action.

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The programme has made a significant contribution to strengthening Albania’s pre-university education system through an inclusive approach that simultaneously targeted teacher capacity-building, improved support services and consolidation of the education system, laying sustainable foundations for long-term inclusion.

During its implementation, some 15,000 teachers were trained in inclusive teaching practices, while 348 trainers were certified to support the nationwide rollout of the approach.

In parallel, 550 psycho-social support units were equipped with modern infrastructure, and two special schools were transformed into National Resource Centres.

As a result of these interventions, more than 135,000 children have directly benefited from more inclusive learning practices.

The European Union, working with Albanian institutions and partner organisations, continues to support the development of an education system in which no one is left behind, in line with European standards and Albania’s EU integration priorities.

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Speaking at a meeting with Turkish coordinators and directors of key hospitals, including the University Hospital Center in Tirana (QSUT) and regional hospitals in Durrës, Lezhë, Shkodër, and Vlorë, Koçiu said the reform had moved “from paper to practice” over the past 18 months.

“In these five hospitals, we have created conditions for greater freedom in revenue management and independent decision-making on treatment protocols, all aimed at improving service quality,” she said.

Koçiu cited Fier Memorial Hospital as a successful model of hospital autonomy, noting improvements in performance and outcomes.

“By empowering doctors, we’ve strengthened the healthcare system and created the foundation for future development, including medical tourism and centers of excellence offering high-standard, innovative care,” she added.

The minister thanked the Turkish coordination team for supporting the reform’s implementation in Albania for the past three months.

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