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The “EU for Municipalities” program invests 2.5 million euros in 19 Albanian municipalities

by AI | 15.Jul 2024 | Europe in brief AI

Thanks to the 23 local public buildings rehabilitated by the program “EU for municipalities”, citizens can now rely on 68 modernized and improved municipal services, directly benefiting 49,332 local community members, of which 32,787 are young people.

The Delegation of the European Union in Tirana organized an event in Shkodra as part of the project "EU 4 Municipalities" (Photo: EU Delegation in Tirana)

The Delegation of the European Union in Tirana organized an activity in Shkodra, 90 kilometers northwest of Tirana, as part of the “EU 4 Municipalities” project.

The activity in Shkodra marked an important moment for the EU’s support for local governments in Albania.

With over 2.5 million euros invested in 19 municipalities, this program has helped improve local services, benefiting about 50,000 citizens, the majority of whom are young people.

The EU Ambassador to Albania, Silvio Gonzato, expressed his happiness for the announcement of a new phase with a quadrupled budget of 10 million euros, which aims to promote sustainable development and improve the quality of life for all Albanians.

“Local governments are the key actors in the EU integration process as they create and manage a large part of the spaces and public services that define the quality of life for Albanians as future EU citizens,” Gonzato said.

“In Shkodra, we discussed how concrete development projects funded by the EU – owned by local communities with a direct impact on their daily lives – have progressed so far. The European Union will continue to help Albanian municipalities to be able to receive more EU funds inclusively by engaging with civil society, entrepreneurs, youth groups, and local communities,” he emphasized.

Thanks to 23 local public buildings rehabilitated by the “EU for Municipalities” program, citizens can now rely on 68 modernized and improved municipal services, directly benefiting 49,332 local community members, of which 32,787 are young.

“EU for Municipalities” is the EU’s first initiative in Albania that offers financial opportunities for investments exclusively for municipalities.

The EU for Municipalities project will support the development of local infrastructure by enabling higher quality public services and sustainable local economic development.

The project will directly impact improving the quality of life and prospects for Albanian citizens in their communities.

“EU for Municipalities” addresses the fundamental issues affecting the quality of life of local communities in Albania through investments in infrastructure and the improvement of public services.

It contributes to creating a favorable environment for economic development and social cohesion at the local level, strengthens the capacities for mobilizing funds for financing capital investment projects, and contributes to strengthening local capacities for absorbing and implementing financial assistance from the European Union./ (July 15)