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 in Albania, covering 2025–2029. The launch event, attended by Ervin Demo, Minister of State for Local Governance, Ritva Heikkinen, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Albania, and Randi Davis, UNDP Resident Representative, marked the beginning of a new phase aimed at strengthening local democracy and promoting inclusive governance.
ReLOaD3 focuses on fostering transparent, participatory, and accountable mechanisms for public funding of civil society organizations (CSOs) while building stronger partnerships between municipalities, CSOs, and citizens. The programme uses the Local Democracy Observatory (LOD) methodology, guided by five principles—transparency, inclusiveness, efficiency, continuity, and universality—to ensure that local initiatives reflect community needs, encourage institutional cooperation, and replace direct contracting with competitive, accountable processes.
Building on the achievements of previous phases, ReLOaD3 now operates in 22 municipalities across Albania, demonstrating its capacity for replication and institutionalization of good governance practices. In this phase, seven partner municipalities—Kavaja, Lezha, Shkodra, Mirdita, Divjaka, Berat, and Vlora—will participate, with a focus on inclusive decision-making, increased citizen engagement, and improved public service delivery. The programme also officially launched a new Call for Proposals for CSOs in partner municipalities, signaling opportunities for local civil society participation.
ReLOaD3 has strengthened municipal capacity through training sessions on implementing the LOD methodology and managing the project cycle. In October, 28 local government staff from Shkodra and Berat were trained to better plan, implement, and monitor public funds, reinforcing transparency and accountability in local governance.
Minister Ervin Demo highlighted the programme’s strategic role in improving services and local development, especially amid EU integration and territorial reform efforts aimed at enhancing efficiency and governance. Ritva Heikkinen emphasized that ReLOaD3 supports the enabling environment for municipalities and civil society, ensuring Albania benefits from EU growth plans and future Cohesion Funds, while promoting local democracy, environmental protection, culture, and tourism.
UNDP Resident Representative Randi Davis noted that ReLOaD3 contributes directly to Albania’s EU accession process by strengthening institutions, introducing results-driven approaches, and fostering a renewed social contract between the state and citizens. By building municipal capacity to manage public funds and implement competitive procedures, the programme equips local governments to operate in line with EU financial rules.
In partnership with the EU Delegation, national institutions, and local governments, ReLOaD3 will continue promoting participatory democracy and stronger local governance, supporting Albania’s Reform Agenda and contributing directly to the country’s path toward EU integration.
