As part of Europe Week 2026, a regional event was held in Mirdita to present the second phase of the program, with the participation of representatives from the Delegation of the European Union to Albania, central and local institutions, international partners, civil society organizations, and citizens.

The Mayor of Mirdita, Albert Melyshi, described Europe Week as an important moment to reflect on Albania’s European journey and its partnership with the European Union. He emphasized that EU support has brought concrete improvements in infrastructure, public services, and the alignment of local standards with European ones.

Meanwhile, the Director of Cooperation at the Delegation of the European Union to Albania, Ritva Heikkinen, presented the new phase of the program, announcing that €6.5 million of the total €11 million fund will be distributed as grants to Albanian municipalities.

She stressed that the program aims to improve the quality of public services, strengthen transparency, and promote local economic development.

“Today marks the launch of the new and ambitious phase of the ‘Municipalities for Europe’ project. It is a commitment to municipalities, communities, and to the belief that Albania’s path toward the European Union begins precisely in your villages, towns, and municipalities,” Heikkinen stated.