THE KEYNOTE SPEECH OF MINISTER OF STATE FOR LOCAL GOVERNANCE, MR MAZNIKU, AT SYNERGY CONFERENCE AS DELIVERED
Dear Friends,
Welcome to Tirana, a vibrant, dynamic, and rapidly evolving city. We are honored that the WBF has chosen Tirana for this conference, as it continues to establish itself as a regional and even European hub for significant events.
Beyond the conference, I encourage you to explore the city. Enjoy our incredible cuisine, visit landmarks like the Pyramid and Skanderbeg Square, and witness the transformation Tirana has undergone in recent years.
Albania, too, has experienced remarkable change, with tourism and infrastructure growing at an unprecedented rate. Just last July, Tirana Airport recorded 252 flights in a single day, marking Albania as one of the world leaders in tourism growth compared to pre-COVID levels.
These developments are not accidental. They are the result of strategic governance, particularly at the local level. In times of global uncertainty, cities and municipalities serve as pillars of stability, providing essential services—schools, parks, roads, and public institutions—that shape people’s daily lives.
This is the essence of local democracy: governance that directly impacts communities.
As Albania and the broader Western Balkans accelerate their EU accession process, the role of local government becomes even more critical. With plans to open all negotiation chapters by 2025 and complete them by 2027, we face a tremendous challenge.
The EU’s regulatory framework spans 272,000 pages, and notably, 70% of its implementation falls on local and regional authorities. This demands substantial reforms in governance, transparency, public services, and financial management.
A key challenge is preparing skilled professionals who can navigate this complex transition. Cooperation across the region is essential, we must share solutions rather than reinvent the wheel. Best practices from Skopje can benefit Tirana, just as lessons from Pristina can help Belgrade. By fostering synergy between municipalities, we can accelerate progress and strengthen our institutions.
Democratization is equally vital. EU integration is not just a bureaucratic process; it must engage citizens at all levels. Albania has pioneered AI-driven legal approximation to streamline the adoption of EU legislation, but technology alone cannot ensure public understanding or participation. We must use the time saved on regulatory alignment to educate and involve our people.
Finally, we must rethink the role of municipalities. They should not be limited to basic infrastructure and public services; they must be engines of development, fostering collaboration between the private sector, education, civil society, and government.
A forward-thinking municipality drives change, innovation, and prosperity in its community.
The challenges ahead are significant, but our cities remain anchors of stability in a rapidly shifting world. They are places where we reflect on our values, adapt, and push toward new frontiers.
So, thank God for cities.
Thank you.
