Local Governments as Key Actors in Albania´s EU Integration
At the recent conference “Levelling up: The Role of Albanian Municipalities in EU Integration,” SALAR International’s Senior Advisor Magnus Liljeström emphasised a message that shaped our work in Albania, and continues to guide our engagement in EU-related reforms globally: EU integration succeeds only when local governments are fully engaged, empowered, and equipped to have influence on the process.
As Albania moves steadily closer to European Union membership, one truth becomes increasingly clear: successful EU integration is not achieved at the national level alone. Local governments—those closest to citizens’ daily lives—carry much of the responsibility for translating EU standards into tangible change. In fact, local and regional governments are responsible for implementing around 70% of the EU acquis, spanning governance, environment, infrastructure, and regional development. Their role is not complementary, but foundational.
SALAR International has long recognised this. Between 2005 and 2012, with support from Sida, SALAR International implemented the Development of the Albanian Association of Communes (DAAC) project, a comprehensive initiative that positioned Albania’s local governments as essential actors in both decentralisation reform and the EU accession process. The project was the first to focus on the role of Albanian municipalities and their associations in the EU approximation process. Hence, the DAAC project helped prepare local governments not merely to follow reforms, but to shape them. By equipping municipalities with the skills to understand and implement EU policies, SALAR International supported Albania in laying the foundations for a future firmly aligned with European governance standards.
Looking Ahead: Keeping Municipalities at the Centre
Today, Albania stands closer than ever to EU membership, and the role of its municipalities will be decisive in the final stretch. This message was reinforced at the recent conference “Levelling up: The Role of Albanian Municipalities in EU Integration,” where SALAR International’s Senior Advisor Magnus Liljeström participated in the panel “Basics of Local Governance: Importance of the Charter for Local Self-Government.”
Magnus highlighted several key considerations for ensuring that municipalities remain active, capable partners in the EU accession process:
- Realistic commitments: National deadlines and obligations must reflect the actual capacity of municipalities to implement reforms.
- Institution-building at the local level: Municipalities should play an integral role in shaping the institutions that emerge as part of EU alignment.
- Adequate resources and capacity: Effective integration depends on ensuring that local governments have the tools, skills, and resources needed to deliver on EU standards.
He also emphasised that while the Swedish system of local self-government may currently be too advanced to serve as a direct model, Sweden’s values, structures, and practices can still offer valuable inspiration for Albania’s continued reform journey.
SALAR International stands ready to support Albania in the next chapter of its EU path. Whether through strengthening local self-government, building institutional capacities, or deepening cooperation with local government associations.