On April 1, 2019 the “Municipalities for Europe” Project, Phase II organized the Kick-off Networking Workshop, with the 61 EU Units: a brainstorming session, which signed the start of the Inception Phase for the second phase of the Project.
With the presence of Mr. Mario Mariani, Head of Cooperation, European Union Delegation to Albania, Mr. Orlando Fusco, EUD-Albania, Programme Manager, Mrs. Jolanda Trebicka, Team Leader (MfE Project), as well as Mr. Bekim Murati (Director of the Agency for Self Local Government ), and Mrs. Klea Maliqi (Director of the Albanian School of Public Administration), as well as the active participation of the Heads/Coordinators of EU Units in all 61 Municipalities, discussions in the Workshop were focused on the achievements during the first phase of the project, as well as the strategy ahead.
“We welcome the clear change of behaviour from you as beneficiaries, who are now “owning the activities” and organising many public events on your own. This is one of the most important outcomes of the Municipalities for Europe Project”, said Mr. Mariani. He emphasized the specific role that the EU Units have to play, to raise awareness among their own administrations and colleagues. “More than 50% of the Acqui Communitaire is implemented at the local level. Therefore, it is crucial that your local administration, is well informed on such an important process. Outreaching and informing your community, working with youth to explain to them the opportunities that the EU offers, in terms of vocational training and education, should be the main focus of the EU units work in the future”.
The Heads of the EU Units exchanged their views regarding the implementation of the first phase of the Project, especially with regard to the various issues, difficulties and hurdles encountered. The representatives from the EU Delegation, as well as the Project Team stressed the fact that “the overall success of the first phase, as well as the climate of cooperation established, should serve as a solid basis, for putting into place the necessary adjustments and improvements needed in the second phase, in order to reach a higher level of cooperation between the project, the beneficiaries, other institutions, as well as other EU local governance projects”.
The institutionalisation of EU Desks, through their conversion into EU Units in each Municipality, is one perfect illustration of the crucial role they will play, during the implementation of the second phase of the project.
The key messages emphasised during the whole meeting focused on ownership and sustainability. Key beneficiaries and partners in this process are AMVV and ASPA. Both Directors pointed out that, they will remain crucial partners to reach fuller ownership and sustainability - capacity building component through ASPA and institutionalization of EU Units architecture at the local level – AMVV. The coordination with Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs will also continue, with regular support through all phases of project calls, application procedures and management.
