Albania hosts Western Balkans Open Government Meeting for the First Time
Albania hosted the Western Balkans Open Government Partnership (OGP) meeting in Tirana, marking the first time this significant regional event has taken place in the country. The focus: advancing transparency, integrity, and accountability as Albania continues its journey toward European Union membership.
Why is this important: The meeting puts Albania at the center of regional efforts to strengthen democratic governance. By hosting the event, Albania is reinforcing its commitment to open government principles and showcasing alignment with EU values.
Context: The meeting brought together high-profile officials, including Kosovo’s Minister of Local Government Administration Elbert Krasniqi, Montenegro’s Secretary of State for Public Administration Dragiša Janjušević, North Macedonia’s Minister of Public Administration Goran Mincev, Serbia’s Minister of Public Administration and Local Government Jelena Žarić Kovačević, and Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Deputy Minister of Justice Elvir Mahmuzić. Civil society representatives, academics, and private sector leaders were also present to contribute to a well-rounded discussion.
What was said: Minister of State for Public Administration and Anti-Corruption, Adea Pirdeni, emphasized Albania’s unwavering commitment to transparency and accountability as pillars of governance and integral parts of the EU accession process.
“Hosting this meeting in Tirana underscores our dedication to open government reforms,” Pirdeni said. “Our vision aligns with the EU’s standards, aiming for a government that is transparent in actions, not just words.”
Since joining OGP in 2011, Albania has implemented six National Action Plans focused on anti-corruption, public service inclusivity, and access to justice. The current plan, integrated into Albania’s 2030 roadmap, sets ambitious targets for modern, digital, citizen-oriented governance. Pirdeni highlighted that open governance and EU integration are deeply interconnected. The European Union Delegation’s support was noted as critical in expanding open government practices across the Western Balkans.
What was discussed: The Ministerial Session provided a platform for regional ministers to share their experiences and outline future strategies. Key topics included regional challenges and collaborative solutions for more transparent governance and active citizen engagement. The discussions centered around building a unified regional strategy to tackle governance issues, emphasizing cross-border cooperation.
Looking forward: The event, which runs until November 15, 2024, brings together over 60 regional representatives from government, civil society, and academia. Organized in partnership with OGP and the Regional School of Public Administration (ReSPA), the meeting aims to drive citizen engagement and leverage technology for accountable governance throughout the region.
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