📋 Tender Overview
Switzerland contributes to Albania’s efforts to strengthen effective, evidence-based, and inclusive governance at local level in the context of EU accession. In its exit phase, the focus of the project will lie on the sustainability of the improvements reached through the direct support provided to all municipalities for improved services, strengthened capacities and the introduction of a performance-based system.
Country/region Topic Period Budget
Albania
Governance
Decentralisation
Public finance management
Public sector policy
01.10.2026 - 31.03.2028
CHF 3’500’000
The project in brief
Background
Albania is a frontrunner in the EU accession process in the Western Balkans, aiming at membership by 2030. Yet, structural deficiencies of the democratic governance prevail, including high corruption.
The EU negotiation process is led by the central government with municipalities insufficiently involved in policy formulation, though, upon accession, the latter will carry the main responsibility of implementation. Strengthening their capacities remains key.
Municipalities perform effectively only around 50% of the functions defined by laws. Redefining their competences, financing, and performance is a priority of the new Territorial Administrative Reform (TAR). In addition, the number of municipalities may be affected. A decision is expected to be taken by the Parliament in July 2026.
The accelerated EU accession process, the potential TAR reform, and the local elections of spring 2027 are key contextual factors that will significantly shape engagement with local government, including Swiss-supported programmes.
Objectives Citizens of Albania benefit from improved governance, service delivery and reliable data at the municipal level.
Target groups Direct beneficiaries: Public administration and elected representatives at local level, Minister of State for Local Government, NAMA, TALGA, line ministries, Commissioner on the right to information, Commissioner on Anti-Discrimination, INSTAT, municipalities, local communities, civil society, media, Albanian population.
Medium-term outcomes Outcome 1: Municipalities benefit from increased availability and use of regional and local statistics for improved governance and service delivery. Outcome 2: Public institutions are strengthened to adapt their capacities and frameworks in order to align with EU acquis and to implement TAR (if it takes place). Outcome 3: Local governance institutions and accountability actors make effective use of adapted tools, mechanisms, and evidence to strengthen transparency, public participation, oversight, and responsiveness in municipal governance.
