TIRANA, May 8 – EU Ambassador to Albania Silvio Gonzato attended today the official launch of the “EU4Municipalities II” project in Durrës. He described the initiative as a concrete programme that brings direct benefits at local level and places citizens at the centre of Albania’s EU integration process.
Referring to his recent visit to Durrës for the reopening of the Archaeological Museum, Gonzato said he now considers this programme among his preferred EU initiatives as well. According to him, the project places citizens at the centre of Albania’s path toward the European Union.
He stressed the key role of local government in the integration process. The European path, he said, must be experienced in every municipality across the country. Local government, he added, must act as an active partner in this process.
At the same time, Gonzato said improving services and infrastructure for citizens remains the core objective of the programme. He noted that even small funds can bring tangible improvements in people’s daily lives. He also said the programme will build on previous successes.
Smaller municipalities will receive priority, he noted, while no municipality will remain outside the programme. Authorities will ensure equal access for all municipalities and establish a knowledge centre to support implementation.
In addition, Gonzato highlighted the importance of inter-municipal cooperation and administrative-territorial reform. He called on local institutions to exchange experiences and respond more effectively to citizens’ needs. He also urged municipalities to create opportunities for young Albanians to remain in the country or return home.
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