EU and UNDP launched 3 phase of ReLOaD3 in Albania: Strengthening Local Democracy for EU Integration

The Regional Programme on Local Democracy in the Western Balkans 3 (ReLOaD3), funded by the European Union and implemented by UNDP, has officially launched its third phase (2025–2029) in Albania. The launch was marked during the Initial Meeting, attended by Ervin Demo, Minister of State for Local Governance (Local Government), Ritva Heikkinen, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Albania, and Randi Davis, UNDP Resident Representative in Albania.

ReLOaD3 aims to strengthen local democracy by promoting transparent, participatory, and accountable mechanisms for public funding of civil society organizations (CSOs) and fostering stronger partnerships between municipalities, CSOs, and citizens.

Through the LOD methodology and its five core principles—transparency, inclusiveness, efficiency, continuity, and universality—the programme introduces clear, competitive, and accountable procedures for supporting CSO projects. This approach ensures that local initiatives reflect community needs, encourage institutional cooperation, and replace direct contracting with a transparent and competitive model.

Building on the success of previous phases, ReLOaD3 now operates in 22 municipalities (has been adopted by 18 municipalities, with a total of 22 municipalities involved in its implementation) across Albania, demonstrating its potential for replication and institutionalization of good governance practices. In this phase, the programme will work with seven partner municipalities—Kavaja, Lezha, Shkodra, Mirdita, Divjaka, Berat, and Vlora—to promote inclusive decision-making, increase citizen participation, and improve public service delivery.

The Initial Meeting brought together national and local stakeholders, CSOs, and donors to reaffirm commitments, present upcoming activities, and officially launch the new Call for Proposals for CSOs in partner municipalities.

As part of its support for stronger local governance, ReLOaD3 has organized training sessions for municipal administrations on implementing the LOD methodology and managing the project cycle. In October, 28 local government staff were trained in Shkodra and Berat, enhancing their ability to plan, implement, and monitor public funds effectively.

Ervin Demo, Minister of State for Local Governance, emphasized the strategic importance of the programme:
“At the rollout event today, we emphasized the importance of strengthening local governance through transparency and cooperation with civil society as an important step ahead towards improving services and local development. This comes at a critical moment for Albania amid challenges posed by EU integration and preparation for territorial reform, which will address structural challenges and project a more efficient model for the decades to come.”

Ritva Heikkinen, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Albania, emphasized the programme’s strategic importance: “As Albania enters these crucial months of negotiations, it is vital to strengthen the enabling environment for municipalities and civil society. Your engagement will ensure that Albania fully benefits from the EU Growth Plan today and Cohesion Funds in the future, so that the accession process truly serves citizens, families, and communities. Through ReLOaD3, we continue to support local democracy, building on achievements from previous phases—from empowering youth and vulnerable groups to improving local services, protecting the environment, and promoting culture and tourism.”

Randi Davis, UNDP Resident Representative, highlighted the link to EU integration: “The EU accession process calls for stronger institutions, results-driven approaches, and a renewed social contract between the state and its citizens. ReLOaD3 is uniquely positioned to contribute to these objectives. Local governments stand at the heart of this transformation—they deliver services, listen to citizens, and manage public funds. By introducing clear procedures and competitive processes, ReLOaD helps municipalities build the skills and mindset needed to operate according to EU financial rules.”

In partnership with the EU Delegation, national institutions, and local governments, ReLOaD3 will continue to support participatory democracy and stronger local governance in line with the EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans and Albania’s Reform Agenda, contributing directly to the country’s EU integration process.