TIRANA, May 5 – The SIGMA initiative, a joint programme of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the European Union on governance and public administration reform, has assessed Albania positively in its latest report. It said Albania stands out in several key areas with more consolidated practices.
At the same time, the report highlighted the role of state ministers in Albania. It said their functions are clearly defined, unlike in many regional countries. It also added that their mandates include specific missions and detailed responsibilities.
In addition, the report examined the role of deputy ministers. It said they function as policy managers in Albania. It added that they lead specific policy areas and oversee related administrative units. In many other countries, they remain mainly political figures.
Furthermore, the report recorded a positive result in salary levels for general secretaries in ministries. It said Albania ranks first in the region at 4.4% of gross domestic product per capita. It compared this with North Macedonia at 1.9% and Serbia at 2.1%.
On inter-institutional coordination, the report identified Albania as a regional leader. It said weekly meetings of general secretaries are institutionalised. In contrast, most regional countries hold such meetings only once or twice per year.
Meanwhile, Albania also achieved the strongest performance in public consultation on draft laws. The SIGMA report said consultation practices include multiple formats beyond written input. It also noted compliance with minimum deadlines. It confirmed publication of results online and reporting on comments not fully accepted. In addition, it highlighted full publication of supporting documents alongside draft legislation.
The report also noted that Albania has the lowest number of ministries not only in the region but also in Europe.
Overall, the SIGMA findings show that Albania has taken concrete steps to modernise public administration and governance. It said these reforms have strengthened functional, transparent, and coordinated institutional mechanisms.
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