The Minister of State for Local Government, Mr. Ervin Demo, participated in the second bilateral meeting with the European Committee of the Regions, which was held for the first time in Tirana.

During the meeting, the importance of this consolidated dialogue in strengthening the role of local government in the European Integration process and in preparing the country for the challenges of the next phase of negotiations was emphasized.

The Administrative-Territorial Reform focused on creating conditions for a more functional and efficient local system, as well as:

• Strengthening municipalities;
• Increasing administrative capacities;
• Creating the necessary conditions for the provision of quality services according to EU standards.

It was emphasized that municipalities should be prepared with the appropriate human and financial capacities to absorb EU funds, creating more opportunities, instruments and more autonomy to meet local development challenges.

The Albanian Government reconfirmed its commitment to further strengthen local government, while the partnership with the European Committee of the Regions and other European institutions was considered more strategic throughout this process.