
The first 2-day training on "The Role of Municipalities in the European Integration Process" concluded with the first group of municipality representatives, Secretaries General, and Vice Mayors. The ongoing trainings in the following days are being organized in close collaboration with ASPA.
ASPA representative, Mrs. Mimoza Hajdari, emphasized the importance of these trainings for the leadership of municipalities, especially for the new teams, to grasp their role in the integration process and the significance of their engagement
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The training was a combination of local experts and international expertise. Mrs. Aida Gugu presented Albania's journey and the role of municipalities in the integration process, while Mrs. Jolanda Trebicka, Project Director of "Municipalities for Europe," presented the findings from the performance report of municipalities for the year 2022, an annual process crucial for local governance units and their progress. Insights were also shared by the expert of local affairs and the director of Association of Local Authorities (ALA), Mrs. Adelina Farrici.
Furthermore, the EU expert, Mrs. Maja Hraniloviç, practically explained the principles, objectives of regional development, the role and functions of beneficiaries, and the challenges of absorptive capacities. The presentations were combined with discussions and questions from the participants, followed by the Croatian experience in establishing and operating European integration structures, as well as challenges in absorbing EU funds.