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“The role of regional and local authorities in the EU integration process and eventual application of EU rules must be taken into account. A proper balance must be found between central, regional and local governments, which strongly supports the implementation of reforms and the provision of services to citizens - this is how the European Commission highlights the role of municipalities in the EU Enlargement Policy Document.

Today in Vlora, "Municipalities for Europe", a project funded by the European Union, in cooperation with the Municipality of Vlora, held a public debate on the work done by the municipalities of Albania regarding EU integration, in the framework of the presentation of Second Report "Municipalities in Albania's EU Integration Process" (at this link you can find the full text:  http://bpe.al/sites/default/files/publications/Bashkite-ne-Procesin-e-Integrimit-te-Shqiperise-ne-BE.pdf). 

"Local administration plays a very important role: just as in EU member states, the implementation of the EU Acquis in Albania, relies on the municipalities of the country at a rate of 70%," reminded the EU Ambassador in Albania, Mr. Luigi Soreca. He encouraged all municipalities to use this valuable report in their ongoing work, and together - authorities and citizens - to find ways to improve the level of public services and their performance in general, in the view of EU integration. 

The 2018 Evaluation Report sees an increase in ownership of the process by the Albanian Government. The Ministry of the Interior is committed to making this exercise an annual one, as well as being implemented under its leadership. 

The meeting was attended by the Deputy Minister of Interior, Mr. Julian Hodaj, the Mayor of Vlora, Dr. Dritan Leli, local government officials, city council members, NGO representatives, as well as young people and students from the University of Vlora.