Minister Demo Highlights Key Role of Municipalities as EU4Municipalities II Launches

The EU4Municipalities II program, a strategic initiative aimed at strengthening local government and supporting Albania’s European integration process, was officially launched in Durrës. Prime Minister Edi Rama, Minister of State for Local Government Ervin Demo, European Union Ambassador to Albania Silvio Gonzato, German Deputy Ambassador to Albania Thilo Schroeter, and Durrës Mayor Emiriana Sako attended the event.
Funded with €11 million, the program will support municipalities in three main areas: providing grants for investments in local infrastructure; offering technical assistance to improve the capacity to absorb and manage European Union projects; and modernizing and digitizing services for citizens.
Minister Demo emphasized that the program contributes directly to improving public services, strengthening local administration, and preparing municipalities for European integration.
The minister emphasized that municipalities play a pivotal role in implementing European Union legislation, considering that approximately 70% of EU legislation is executed at the local level. The minister emphasized that strengthening local government directly impacts local economic development and Albania’s progress toward EU membership.

Referring to the results of the program’s first phase, Demo cited the Municipality of Berat as an example, noting that it benefited from investments aimed at improving educational services. He emphasized the importance of continuing the program, particularly given the European integration process’s requirement of higher standards in public services and stronger municipal capacities.