On February 17, 2025, the Albanian Center for Economic Research (ACER) organized a workshop with the aim of strengthening cooperation between civil society organizations (CSOs) and local institutions to improve governance in Public-Private Partnerships (PPP).

This forum was held in collaboration with representatives from the Ministry of Finance, ATRAKO, AMVV, the Supreme State Audit Office (SAA) and various CSOs. Discussions focused on current challenges and opportunities for more effective governance of PPPs in Albania, aiming for a more transparent and responsible approach, in line with national interests and EU directives.

Main Discussion Points:

1. Legal and Institutional Framework: Mr. Emiliano Gjika from ATRAKO dealt with the harmonization of the legal framework of PPPs with Directive 2014/23/EU, highlighting the shortcomings in risk sharing and transparency. The need for strengthening the monitoring capacities of ATRAKO was emphasized;
2. The case of Tirana International Airport (TIA): This concession was analyzed as a successful PPP model, focusing on investment commitments, renegotiation of terms and transparency challenges;
3. The Role of Civil Society and Media in Transparency: CSOs called for increased public consultation and monitoring of contracts, while media representatives noted the lack of a complete registry of PPP contracts.

The last report of SMP 2023 presented by the Head of the Sector of Statistics and Performance in the Local Self-Government Support Agency, identifies several priority sectors:

• Waste management: Only 68% of management costs are covered by service fees, creating a need for more efficient urban waste management models;
• Education sector: Municipalities with high populations are facing challenges in building and maintaining infrastructure for nurseries and kindergartens;
• Social services: Limited funding is a major obstacle to building social centers for the elderly and children in need;
• Drinking water supply and sanitation: Only 57.8% of the rural population has access to drinking water, while only 14.5% is connected to the sewage network.

The discussions highlighted institutional gaps in transparency, financial accountability and civic engagement, as well as the necessity of strengthening intersectoral cooperation.

At the close of the forum, participants highlighted the need for further reforms to ensure that PPPs bring long-term benefits to local communities. Transparency, accountability and risk management were assessed as the main pillars for the success of these partnerships, in order to guarantee a balance between the public interest and the involvement of private capital.