"Municipalities in a new phase of development"/ Demo: Quality projects are needed to absorb EU funds

2026-06-24 10:08:00, Aktualitet CNA

"Municipalities in a new phase of development"/ Demo: Quality projects

The Minister of State for Local Government, Ervin Demo, stated that municipalities must enter a new phase of development and strengthen their capacities to prepare quality projects, with the aim of better absorbing European Union funds, as part of the process of Albania's approximation to European standards.

According to him, in the last three decades, Albania has come a long way in the development of communication networks, while today businesses have more access and more digital services, which constitutes a positive and necessary development.

However, the minister stressed that there are still issues that need to be addressed. In many cities, especially in tourist areas, substandard overhead cables, improvised poles and overlapping networks continue to be observed, which pose not only aesthetic problems, but also safety issues.

Demo underlined that municipalities know the territory best and therefore their role is crucial. They must be the main actors of cooperation, coordinate institutions and guarantee that the new standards are maintained in time.

According to him, the action plan will be launched in July and August, where working groups will be established to implement concrete interventions. In the areas where the works will be carried out, a new infrastructure standard will be established.

The Minister also emphasized that underground infrastructure should not be seen as a cost, but as a long-term investment for urban development and the safety of citizens.

"Municipalities must enter a new phase of development. Municipalities must have the ability to prepare quality projects to better absorb EU funds as part of Albania's preparation for European standards."

In three decades, Albania has come a long way in the development of communication networks. Today, businesses have more access, more digital services. This is a positive and necessary development.

There are many issues that we need to address. In many cities, tourist areas we still see overhead cables installed without standards, improvised poles, overlapping networks. In some cases, these are not only aesthetic issues, but also safety issues.

Municipalities know the territory best, so their role is crucial. They should be the main actors of cooperation, coordinate the actors and must guarantee that the new standard is maintained in time. The action plan will be launched in July and August; working groups will be established to implement the concrete plan. In the areas where intervention will be made, a new standard will be established.

"Underground infrastructure should not be seen as a cost," Demo said./ CNA