Tirana, 19 December 2024 | In October 2024, the European Commission approved Albania’s Reform Agenda (RA) under the Reform and Growth Facility (RGF), encompassing 31 reforms and several investments and supported by €922 million in funding. With 143 milestones tied to fund disbursement, the success of this agenda hinges on robust executive coordination, enhanced administrative capacities, and an inclusive approach to implementation and monitoring. Now the focus shifts to a timely, efficient, and inclusive implementation, where civil society participation is essential.
In partnership with the Embassy of the Kingdom of Netherlands, Cooperation and Development Institute (CDI) launched yesterday a new initiative entitled “Increasing Albanian Civic Engagement Footprint into the Growth Plan.” This initiative emphasizes close collaboration with the executive branch during the implementation of the Albanian Reform Agenda while fostering ownership and resilience through active civic engagement and monitoring.
Since the inception of the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, CDI has played a proactive role in integrating the perspectives of regional social actors into this policymaking process. This began with its contribution to the drafting of the Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) prior to the adoption of the RGF Regulation in May 2024.
Executive Director, Ms. Krisela Hackaj stated: “The Growth Plan is not only about money but is the way of delivering the money that makes a big change. For us, this instrument should lead the country towards enhanced preparedness for exercising Membership obligations in the next Multiannual Financial Framework”.
For the Ambassador of the Netherlands to Albania, H.E. Mr. Reinout Vos “the Growth Plan is more than a financial instrument, it represents a transformative opportunity where inclusiveness must guide every step of the process”.
Mr. Andrea Ferrero, from the EU Delegation to Albania, stressed the pivotal role of civil society organizations (CSOs) as intermediaries between the government and citizens. He highlighted the importance of raising awareness about the Growth Plan among the Albanian population and encouraged CSOs to actively take part in the Growth Plan related policy dialogue, in the implementation of the reforms and in monitoring the effective use of EU funds allocated for each reform outlined in the Reform Agenda.
Mr. Eduard Shalsi, Chair of the Economy and Finance Parliamentary Committee, highlighted that to enhance the Parliament’s oversight of reforms and address Albania’s growing commitments on its journey to EU membership by 2030, the Parliamentary structures will be restructured and reinforced. A new level playing field must be established to meet the membership criteria.
Fundamental reforms in justice and the rule of law make up a substantial part of the Reform Agenda, accounting for 9 out of 31 priorities. Highlighting the reforms planned by the Ministry of Justice and its lead role in coordination with many Independent institutions, Ms. Elona Bano urged social actors to join the European Integration Partnership Platform. Their involvement is key to strengthening administrative capacities, particularly in monitoring the Growth Plan’s implementation and in delivering qualitative and independent reports.
Locally-based CSOs have a vested interest in ensuring the efficient and sustainable impact of EU financial aid. Adding a civic perspective to this discussion, Ms. Mona Xhexhaj from the Academy of European Integration and Negotiations emphasized the RGF’s potential to be an inclusive instrument. She urged civic actors, especially the business community, to take an active role, as this facility should lead to gradual integration into the EU’s single market. She emphasized the need for social and economic actors to be included in the Monitoring Committee that will be soon set up, and use of existing dialogue platforms such as the European Integration Partnership Platforms.
The agenda of the event can be consulted here. Stay updated with timely insights on the Growth Plan and its implementation in Albania by following us.
