At the marathon meeting held on July 11, 2025 in Durrës, with the participation of the Prime Minister, H.E.E.Edi Rama, Minister of State for Local Government, Mr. Arbjan Mazniku, Minister of Finance, Mr. Petrit Malaj, Minister of State and Chief Negotiator, Ms. Majlinda Dhuka, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ms. Anila Denaj, Director of ASHK, Ms. Lorena Gonxhja, and 61 mayors, the most essential topics related to the challenges and commitments of local government in function of the vision “Albania 2030” were addressed. With a rich and comprehensive agenda, the discussions focused on the performance of municipalities, the legalization process, the new law on co-ownership, the role of local units in European integration and the development of agriculture as a priority sector.

During the meeting, the importance of the Performance-Based Grant for increasing the efficiency and accountability of municipalities was emphasized, the state of local finances and performance indicators were analyzed, and the strengthening of local capacities was discussed. The Mountain Package was also presented with the opportunities it offers for economic development and a discussion was held on this topic. Attention was also paid to the legalization process, where the need for inter-institutional cooperation was emphasized, as well as the new law on co-ownership, which aims to strengthen the role of municipalities in the administration of common property.

The meeting then continued with discussions on the role of local government in the European Integration process, financing opportunities through cohesion funds and the need for cooperation with central structures. The meeting closed with a discussion on reforms in agriculture, financial support for agrarian businesses and the potential of the sector for local development.

The meeting concluded with a positive message from the Prime Minister, emphasizing the need to maintain the spirit of cooperation, seriousness and shared vision in the function of reforms that give more power and responsibility to local government on the path towards Albania 2030.