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"Measuring the performance of municipalities is of particular importance, in the context of Albania's EU integration process." This was stated by Mr. Orlando Fusco, the Head of the Good Governance Program at the European Union Delegation in Tirana, during the meeting held in the Municipality of Lezha for the presentation of the 2018 Evaluation Report.

In the presence of the Mayor of Lezha, Mr. Pjerin Ndreu, the Director of the Agency for Support of Local Self-Government, Mr. Bekim Murati and the project leader of "Municipalities for Europe", Mrs. Jolanda Trebicka, an extended meeting was held to discuss the findings and recommendations of this report. Members of the Lezha City Council, local administration officials, representatives of interest groups and the community were also present at the meeting which took the form of a debate among the participants.

Since no less than 70% of the European Union's legal framework will be implemented locally, Mr. Fusco reminded those that were present of the vital importance that local government has in meeting these obligations. “Therefore we as the EU supported the Ministry of Interior in drafting this report, he continued. And our advice is for the local administration to see it as a mirror where they see themselves, their position and for the future following the report's recommendations would be very beneficial.” 

Further talking about the findings and recommendations of the report, the Mayor of Lezha, Mr. Pjerin Ndreu, focused on some issues that were also reflected in the report, especially those related to human resources and capacity building, but also the importance of a closer cooperation with the central government. "Transparency and meritocracy in recruitment are vital to building these capacities," said Mr. Ndreu, "just as it is important the work we do in taxing and building public spaces."

The Director of the Agency for Support of Local Self-Government, Mr. Bekim Murati added that “Municipalities must inevitably become part of this important process and we as central government have a duty to assist them. Because in the EU, will not integrate only Tirana but all the Municipalities together, with their communities and citizens, who must think like Europeans. Above all, "he added," we need to be aware and understand how we will approach this integration process, where we will without a doubt have assistance but first of all we have to roll up our sleeves."  

Further on, the Project Manager of “Municipalities for Europe”, Mrs. Jolanda Trebicka made a detailed presentation of the report's findings and recommendations, reminding attendees that "feedback from staff and civil society representatives is essential to improving reporting." According to Ms. Trebicka, “The purpose of the report is not to make a comparison between municipalities, but to have a way of looking at where the services provided to citizens are in relation to integration requirements, and further, on the basis of results and recommendations from the report, to be able on guiding where there is need for further assistance to be provided. 

The "Municipalities for Europe" project, funded by the European Union has launched a series of meetings in all 61 municipalities of Albania, in the context of presenting and discussing with local representatives the findings and recommendations of this report.