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The EU Embassy reacts after the Prime Minister's action in the country's municipalities...
The European Union has dealt a strong blow to Edi Rama, regarding the massive layoffs he has initiated in the municipality.
This move, considered by the government as "cleansing structures and increasing administrative efficiency", has been met with great concern in Brussels, calling into question the respect for local autonomy in Albania.
In a response to "Top News", EU representatives emphasize that local government is one of the main pillars of European integration, as it is responsible for implementing a significant part of EU standards.
“ The EU is closely following the latest developments in the field of local administration in Albania. Local authorities play an important role in the EU integration process, as they are responsible for implementing a significant part of the EU acquis that requires effective governance at different levels. The European Charter of Local Self-Government, adopted by the Council of Europe and ratified by Albania in 2000, sets standards for preserving the political, administrative and financial independence of local authorities. This Charter is also reflected in the 2015 Law on Local Self-Government ,” the EU’s response states.
The European Commission's Albania 2024 report has pointed out that the division of competences between central and local government is still problematic and often unclear. In the latest statement, the EU recalls that: “ As highlighted in the Commission's Albania 2024 report, the division of responsibilities between central and local government remains an area of concern, and in which there is a need to improve the legal framework regarding the functions of local self-government units. These bodies continue to lack sufficient and sustainable financial resources and administrative capacities, and their autonomy remains at risk. The provision of quality public services at local level remains limited. The efficiency, transparency and accountability of human resources management need to be improved .”
The mass resignations ordered by the prime minister have raised questions about whether this action is a genuine reform or a new political takeover of the local administration, violating the separation of powers in the country.
Full EU response to Top News
· The EU is closely following the latest developments in the field of local administration in Albania. Local authorities play an important role in the EU integration process, as they are responsible for implementing a significant part of the EU acquis which requires effective governance at different levels.
· The European Charter of Local Self-Government, adopted by the Council of Europe and ratified by Albania in 2000, sets standards for preserving the political, administrative and financial independence of local authorities. This Charter is also reflected in the Law on Local Self-Government of 2015.
· As highlighted in the Commission's 2024 report on Albania, the division of responsibilities between local and central government remains an area of concern, and where there is a need to improve the legal framework regarding the functions of local self-government units. These bodies continue to lack sufficient and sustainable financial resources and administrative capacities, and their autonomy remains at risk. The provision of quality public services at local level remains limited. The efficiency, transparency and accountability of human resources management need to be improved.
· In this context, we have and will continue to support key reforms for local governance, including work on public consultation, integrity planning and clear local government competencies, while increasing its support for the development of municipal infrastructure and services and regional development, through grants to local self-government units. All of this is undertaken in the broader context of supporting municipalities to fulfil their tasks in the framework of the EU accession process.
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