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The role of local self-governance in the implementation of the series of laws and regulations of the European Union is extremely important in the process of Albania's integration in the EU. This was the main message conveyed at the meeting held in Vau i Dejës Municipality, as part of the meetings held in all 61 municipalities of Albania, for the presentation of the Evaluation Report 2018, organized by “Municipalities for Europe”, a project funded by the European Union.

The meeting held in the Hall of the City Council, was welcomed by Mr. Mark Babani, Mayor of Vau i Dejës, Mr. Orlando Fusco, Program Officer for Good Governance at the EU Delegation in Tirana, Mr. Bekim Murati, Director of The Agency for Support of Local Self-Governance, while present were also representatives of the city council, administration, civil society and the community of Vau i Dejës. 

"Albania's future is towards the west, and our aspirations are unchanged," said the mayor of Vau i Dejës. He praised the "Municipalities for Europe" Project, and the work it has done, especially on the steps taken to date, in two directions: "building bridges of communication with citizens, and civil society organizations. This, thanks to the establishment, operation and generous support of the European Integration Unit in the municipality”, which is headed by Ms. Entela Kolaj.

The representative of the EU Delegation, Mr Fusco, concentrated on the 2018 Evaluation Report, as well as the importance of the findings and recommendations it contains. This report is “a mirror where you can see for yourself, where you are today and where you should go the next day, regarding the implementation of the Acquis. Some of you may be wondering what links we have, or what municipalities have to do with this process. Let me put it simply: 70 % of European Union legislation is directly related to local government and citizens”, Mr Fusco told attendees. According to him, "the second report shows greater ownership of the process by the Ministry of Interior and by the municipalities, while the all the actors will be also supported by the delegation so that it becomes a regular and annual exercise."

Mr. Bekim Murati has provided the support of the institution he leads, in this crucial and challenging process, which requires both central and local administration efforts. "AMVV will be a very willing partner to assist and mediate in this process," he said. The Project Manager "Municipalities for Europe", Ms. Jolanda Trebicka made a presentation of the findings and recommendations of the Second Evaluation Report (2018), while saying that the “skepticism of the start has left room for consolidation of the integration structures in the local government, as well as mayors and local administrations themselves have become more aware on the importance of reporting, in building a report like the one we are presenting today. A report, which is a snapshot of the current state of local government institutions. Following, a presentation by Ms. Iva Çoku on the funding that the European Union allocates to projects at the local level, participants in the meeting engaged in an intensive question and answer session.

The tour of the Municipalities for Europe project will continue in other cities of Albania.