Consultative Council for central and local government set up in Albania

Tirana, 19 January 2017: Addressing the official launch of the Central and Local Government Consultative Council, Andreas Kiefer, Secretary General of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities, stressed the importance of this new body which represents a milestone in the development of local democracy in Albania. Re-affirming the Congress support throughout the process, he stated: “This is a tool for exchange of views and preparation of legislation where Albanian local and regional authorities can exert their right to be consulted and have their voice heard. It is in the hands of all stakeholders to make it a success story.” He congratulated the Albanian authorities, represented by Minister of State for Local Government Issues, Bledar Çuçi, for setting up a body that is exemplary for the whole region, and for the steps made towards further decentralisation and the application of the European Charter of Local Self-Government.

The Council of Minister’s Decision to establish the Consultative Council, was adopted on 21 December 2016. This new body will serve as an institutionalised platform for consultation of, and dialogue with local and regional authorities, providing them with the opportunity to enhance their power of advocacy and exert their leadership role. The support provided by the Congress will continue in 2017, to ensure the effective launch of the Consultative Council’s operations.

The setting-up of the consultative body is supported within the framework of the project “Strengthening local government structures and co-operation of local elected representatives in Albania ”. This project is implemented by the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities, with financial support provided by the Government of Switzerland.

Albania joined the Council of Europe in 1995 and ratified the European Charter of Local Self-Government in 2000. Countries which have ratified the Charter are bound by its provisions. The Charter imposes compliance with a minimum number of rights, which are the European bedrock of local self-government. The Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe ensures respect for these principles.