The KLGI Institute aims to become a platform for regional exchange and cooperation

At the invitation of the Agency for the Support of Local Self-Government, representatives of the KLGI Institute took part in the Consultative Council between Central Government and Local Self-Government in the Republic of Albania. Present at the event were representatives of the Local Self-Government Associations, Heads of Regions (Qarks), Mayors of Municipalities (Bashkis) and the key donors supporting local government and the reform process.

The Consultative Council serves as a mechanism for consultation, dialogue and cooperation between the levels of government. Policies, strategic and legislative documents and legal acts are presented to it so that there is coordination and effective implementation. At the consultative meeting, a series of draft decisions were discussed and dealt with by both sides.

For the KLGI Institute, this represents a good model of inter-institutional coordination in the implementation of policies and legislation, and at the same time an opportunity to join synergies on the path towards strengthening European foundations starting from the local level. Initiatives like this should also push Kosovo's institutions to strengthen coordination and cooperation between the two levels.

In separate discussions, the Acting Executive Director, Besnik Muçaj, had the opportunity to discuss with actors from all levels and with donors the processes Albania is going through. He also spoke about the good practices that can be exchanged by the two countries in support of a joint agenda of cooperation and interaction.

During the discussions, particular focus was placed on the issue of local finances with representatives of the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Albania, on the process Albania has gone through in this field and the support it can offer Kosovo in addressing this issue. On this occasion, it was planned that the KLGI Institute and the Agency for the Support of Local Self-Government would coordinate joint meetings between actors from both levels. The expertise provided by donors to Albania and the cooperation of partners in Kosovo are expected to have positive effects.

Another topic of interest was the support of the central level for the local level in the integration process through building dedicated structures that support this process, from coordination to the establishment and capacity building of structures for absorbing development funds. In a separate discussion with the Chair of the Vlora Regional Council, Ervis Moçka, the areas in which Kosovo's municipalities can learn from this process were discussed.

The meeting also addressed good practices on legal issues and administrative fines, a process from which Kosovo can learn in the field of policy/legislation for administrative contexts. At the same time, it was stressed that Kosovo is a good model with regard to the establishment and functioning of safety councils at the local level, a model which can serve Albania in the initiative it has undertaken in this field. Integrated waste management was also addressed.

Finally, in a discussion with the Director of the Agency for the Support of Local Self-Government, Bekim Murati, it was agreed that they would jointly support and coordinate with the institutions of both countries by drawing up a list of issues on which practices could be exchanged and which could be discussed at state level to strengthen the European foundations of local government.