The visit brought together mayors, local councillors and representatives from Belgium, France, Spain, Italy, Jordan, Morocco and Mauritania. They exchanged experiences and explored new partnerships to strengthen cooperation between their communities.

Roskovec Mayor Majlinda Bufi introduced the visitors to the city’s natural beauty, local traditions and economic potential. The guests also sampled local products and discovered the area’s cultural and culinary heritage.

Youth employment takes centre stage

The visit followed discussions at ARLEM’s 17th plenary session, held in Tirana for the first time. Participants focused on youth employment, entrepreneurship and stronger support for young people across the Euro-Mediterranean region.

Roskovec Mayor Majlinda Bufi stressed that local and national institutions must turn these priorities into practical policies. She said stronger cooperation and better opportunities for young people could help reduce emigration.

Meanwhile, Deputy Foreign Minister Megi Fino highlighted the need for cross-border cooperation to address shared challenges. These include the green and digital transitions, energy security, water management, economic competitiveness and demographic change.

She also pointed to the importance of stronger links in renewable energy, transport, logistics and digital infrastructure.

Adelina Farrici, executive director of the Association of Albanian Municipalities, called for stronger local government capacity. She underlined the value of exchanging expertise and expanding partnerships with European and Mediterranean institutions.

Mediterranean Pact puts local authorities at the heart of action

During the plenary session, ARLEM presented a report on implementing the European Union’s Pact for the Mediterranean with local and regional authorities. The report called on local governments to play a central role in turning regional priorities into concrete action.

In a video message, EU Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Šuica highlighted the role of local authorities in identifying community needs and adapting policies to local conditions.

Participants also presented cooperation projects on youth support, gender equality, the green transition and civil protection. These initiatives could provide models for future action and encourage new partnerships across the region.

The session also recognised young entrepreneurship. ARLEM awarded its 2026 Mediterranean Local Entrepreneurship Award to Nada Ghammem, founder of Tunisia-based medical technology company Bionic Soul, and the institution supporting her initiative, Caisse des dépôts et consignations de Tunisie.

Ghammem said her company aims to develop more affordable, advanced prosthetic limbs while creating jobs and technical expertise in Tunisia and across the region.

The meeting reaffirmed a shared commitment to stronger cooperation between European and Mediterranean partners. Its central goal is to turn common priorities into practical projects that create opportunities for citizens, especially young people.

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