The Center for Development and Integration (CDI) presented its first independent monitoring report on Albania’s Reform Agenda under the EU’s Reform and Growth Facility (FRRr).

The roundtable took place under CDI’s initiative “Enhancing Civic Participation in Albania’s Growth Plan,” with support from the Dutch Embassy.

The report shows progress in governance and reform implementation. However, challenges remain. Despite the May 2025 elections, institutions continued their work steadily.

Moreover, the report highlights the need to strengthen administrative capacity and transparency. This ensures reforms have real impact.

CDI Executive Director Krisela Hackaj noted that the monitoring coincided with government adjustments to legal and institutional frameworks. She stressed the importance of clear guidance on implementation, control, and reporting.

Similarly, Dutch Ambassador Reinout Vos emphasized transparency, citizen engagement, and strong partnerships. These are key for successful reforms.

Elvis Zerva, report author and CDI external collaborator, stated that 23 of 36 reform steps from December 2024 to June 2025 were completed. Significant progress occurred in governance, digital transformation, and business climate.

However, several challenges were identified. Many reform steps lack measurable indicators. Assessment frameworks focus more on formal compliance than real implementation. Public guidelines on “satisfactory completion” are missing. Updates on reform progress are irregular. As a result, transparency and accountability remain limited.

Eridana Çano, SASPAC General Director and FRRr National Coordinator, stressed that maintaining reform momentum is crucial. In addition, monitoring and oversight must continue.

Ritva Heikkinen, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation in Albania, praised CDI’s work. Furthermore, she noted that constructive dialogue between institutions and civil society is essential.

The report made several recommendations:

• Establish a clear, transparent methodology for reporting and evaluation.
• Promote structured dialogue among institutions, civil society, and businesses. This includes ex-ante and ex-post consultations.
• Improve public communication and citizen engagement through targeted campaigns.
• Strengthen the Monitoring Committee as a central governance body.

This first report, together with future monitoring, will contribute to debates on Albania’s EU accession agenda for 2030. It will also inform the Multiannual Financial Framework 2028–2034.

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