At the meeting between Mr. Arbjan Mazniku, Minister of State for Local Government, Mr. Thierry Repentin, Mayor of Chambéry, France, former Minister for Europe, and Ms. Odeta Barbullushi, Professor, College of Europe, Tirana, former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Albania, a panel discussion was held on the topic “European Dialogue for Regional Development and Cohesion”, where the importance of cooperation at the local level was emphasized as the best way to guarantee the success of the European Integration process.

Considering that 70% of European Union legislation is implemented at the local level, strengthening the capacities of local authorities is an important priority. With the establishment of Integration Offices in municipalities, staff training and the active involvement of local businesses, the foundations are being built for the European Integration process to directly impact the lives of citizens and the development of communities in their daily lives.

This joint commitment between local institutions and international partners is essential to advance on the path towards the European Union. By strengthening the local level, a more effective integration is ensured, where citizens directly benefit from European policies and projects, thus making integration an inclusive and sustainable process.