The approach to solving problems should be based on in-depth specific analysis

The main speakers of the third panel, on the topic of municipalities' “Challenges and Opportunities”, were: the Mayor of the Municipality of Prizren, Mr Mytaher Haskuka; the Mayor of the Municipality of Vushtrri, Xhafer Tahiri; the Mayor of the Municipality of Partesh, Mr Dragan Petković; and the Mayor of the Municipality of Kamenica, Qëndron Kastrati.

The panellists focused on the challenges municipalities are facing in the fields of financing, education and health, ineffective communication between the two levels of government, and the lack of capacity to write and manage projects for applications to EU funds and other funds.

In addressing these topics and other issues of interest, the panel discussion showed that municipalities differ from one another in various categories and aspects, and consequently the approach to solving problems must be based on in-depth analyses of the specific contexts of each individual municipality.

In addition to identifying challenges, the Mayors also had the opportunity, through dialogue, to identify the good practices and models that have proved successful.

All three discussion panels served to raise actors' awareness of the importance of strengthening local governance, dialogue and democracy; to exchange knowledge about models and practices in the region; and to advance the European reform agenda.