Action plan – Elbasan, Albania, 2025 – 2027

At-a-Glance

Duration

Apr 2027

Date Submitted

24th June 2025

Foreword(s)

This action plan is a concrete step to strengthen the connection between the Municipality of Elbasan and its citizens. It reflects our commitmentOGP commitments are promises for reform co-created by governments and civil society and submitted as part of an action plan. Commitments typically include a description of the problem, concrete action... to a more open, transparent, and people-centered governance. During the development of the plan, civil society organizations, local media, university representatives, and ordinary citizens were involved, sharing ideas and concerns that helped define the priorities.

This is not a technical document, but a joint commitment to improving services and local decision-making, enhancing citizen participationAccording to OGP’s Articles of Governance, citizen participation occurs when “governments seek to mobilize citizens to engage in public debate, provide input, and make contributions that lead to m... More, and ensuring that the voice of the community is truly heard.

The Municipality will play a leading role in the implementation of this plan, but its success will depend on close collaboration with civil society and the community. A joint working group will be established to monitor the implementation, with representatives from all parties, ensuring transparency and accountability at every step.

The citizens of Elbasan will be part of this process—not as spectators, but as co-creators of local policies. This plan is an opportunity to build a new culture of co-governance, where everyone has a role and responsibility in the development of the city.

The commitment of the Municipality of Elbasan, its citizens, and civil society organizations is essential to ensure the success of this plan.

We believe that by collaborating closely, we can build a new culture of local governance—one that is more open, more just, and more responsive to the needs of the community.

Open Government Challenges, Opportunities and Strategic Vision

This subsection details the Open Government Strategic Vision in your local area that should guide the commitments for the action plan period.

What is the long-term vision for open government in your context and jurisdiction?

The Municipality of Elbasan envisions an open government where citizens are central to decision-making and governance is transparent, inclusive, and accountable. Our long-term goal is to build a culture of active civic participation, where all voices are heard and valued equally. Through digital innovation, stronger community dialogue, and improved public services, we aim to foster trust in institutions and create a responsive administration that reflects citizens’ needs. This vision seeks to transform Elbasan into a model of participatory governance, where openness drives progress and citizens are empowered partners in shaping the future.

What are the achievements in open government to date (for example, recent open government reforms)?

The Municipality of Elbasan has made concrete progress in open governance, with achievements focused on transparency, civic participation, and accountability. One of the most important steps is the establishment of systems for the online publication of local legislationCreating and passing legislation is one of the most effective ways of ensuring open government reforms have long-lasting effects on government practices. Technical specifications: Act of creating or r..., transparency programs, budgets, and financial reports, allowing citizens full access to essential public information.

To improve service delivery and access to decision-making, a One-Stop Shop has been created—an integrated municipal office that simplifies administrative processes, reduces bureaucracy, and strengthens citizen-institution communication.

Participatory budgeting is another major initiative. Citizens are directly involved in identifying investment priorities and allocating local funds, which enhances transparency and increases public trust.

In cooperation with the Local Council for Public Safety and other stakeholders, the Municipality also works to improve public safety and social well-being. Digital tools and community meetings help citizens voice concerns and co-create policies.

Moreover, the publication of Municipal Council decisions and public contracts online strengthens accountability and prevents corruption. These efforts are building a modern, efficient, and citizen-centered local government.

What are the current challenges/areas for improvement in open government that the jurisdiction wishes to tackle?

Citizen participation in the Municipality of Elbasan has become increasingly important in improving local governance. Mechanisms like online platforms and the One-Stop Shop have enabled citizens to engage in decision-making. Participatory budgeting has allowed residents to influence local investments, but more efforts are needed to ensure inclusionOGP participating governments are working to create governments that truly serve all people. Commitments in this area may address persons with disabilities, women and girls, lesbian, gay, bisexual, tr... More of all social groups.

Transparency and accountability face implementation gaps. Despite laws on the Right to Information and Public Consultation, enforcement is weak. While key documents like budgets and council decisions are published online, access remains limited and feedback channels are underused. Accountability mechanisms often lack citizen involvement and continuity.

To improve integrity and reduce corruption, the municipality has introduced integrity plans. However, challenges in implementation and monitoring persist, requiring stronger procedures and follow-up.

Administrative and financial consolidation after merging units has also posed challenges. Although service delivery has improved in some areas, financial management and efficiency remain issues.

Corruption is widely perceived by citizens as a serious problem. Surveys show low trust in officials. While Elbasan is making efforts in transparency and anti-corruption, stronger action is needed to restore public trust and improve governance.

What are the medium-term open government goals that the government wants to achieve?

In the medium term, the Municipality of Elbasan aims to strengthen transparency by regularly publishing detailed data on public spending and decisions. We seek to increase citizen participation through inclusive and accessible mechanisms that engage civil society and interest groups in shaping policies. A key priority is the development of digital platforms to enhance public access to information and facilitate two-way communication with citizens. Additionally, we aim to reinforce accountability systems to prevent corruption and promote ethical, responsible governance. These efforts will create a more open, participatory, and trustworthy local administration.

How does this action plan contribute to achieve the Open Government Strategic Vision?

This action plan directly contributes to the realization of the strategic vision for open governance by improving transparency, participation, and accountability. It ensures easy access to information for citizens and interest groups, enabling them to track government decisions and policies. Through mechanisms that increase citizen participation, this plan encourages citizen engagement in decision-making processes and strengthens the connection between government and civil society. It also aims to improve the monitoring and accountability of public spending and contracts, combating corruption and ensuring a more responsible and transparent public administration. These steps are essential for achieving sustainable and trustworthy governance.

How does the open government strategic vision contribute to the accomplishment of the current administration’s overall policy goals?

The strategic vision for open governance contributes to the achievement of the current administration’s overall goals by strengthening transparency and accountability in governance processes. This improves citizen trust and their engagement in the development of public policies, ensuring a more open and accountable administration. Additionally, the open governance vision supports the fight against corruption and the more efficient management of public resources, contributing to sustainable economic development and the improvement of public services. Through transparency and citizen participation, the administration can make more informed decisions that are guided by the needs of the citizens, helping them achieve long-term development policy objectives.

Engagement and Coordination in the Open Government Strategic Vision and OGP Action Plan

Please list the lead institutions responsible for the implementation of this OGP action plan.

• Deputy Mayor – responsible for coordinating and overseeing the implementation of decentralization policies and improving transparency at the local level.
• Coordinator for the Right to Information – responsible for promoting transparency and efficiency in the provision of public services.
• Coordinator of Statistics and Performance – responsible for collecting and publishing reliable and accessible data for citizens.
• Municipal Council – responsible for coordinating activities and engaging with civil society and citizens.
• NGO Tjeter Vizion – serving as the monitoring body

What kind of institutional arrangements are in place to coordinate between government agencies and departments to implement the OGP action plan?

To ensure institutional coordination for the implementation of the OGP Action Plan, the Municipality of Elbasan has established a permanent and inclusive structure known as the Municipal Transparency Forum. This forum acts as a vital bridge between local government departments and civil society organizations. It is composed of representatives from the Mayor’s Office, municipal directorates, sectoral units, and local CSOs, enabling a shared governance approach.

The Forum meets regularly to jointly identify OGP priorities and monitor implementation progress. It provides a structured platform for dialogue, problem-solving, and co-creation of policies. Coordination is ensured through the involvement of both executive municipal departments and civil society in shared ownership of OGP commitments. Specific roles include: facilitating interdepartmental cooperation, enabling participation of interested local actors, co-designing initiatives, and tracking implementation through measurable indicators.

The Forum strengthens transparency and accountability by promoting collaborative decision-making, ensuring that challenges and progress are addressed collectively.

What kind of spaces have you used or created to enable the collaboration between government and civil society in the co-creation and implementation of this action plan? Mention both offline and online spaces.

For the development and implementation of this action plan, the Municipality of Elbasan has utilized both physical and digital spaces to enable collaboration and co-creation with civil society and citizens.

Offline, regular consultative meetings were organized in the Municipality’s premises, in Administrative Units, and in public open spaces in the form of community forums, citizen cafes, and public hearings. These meetings were held not only in the city center but also in rural areas, aiming to include all community segments and gather their opinions on the priorities of the plan. The group of civil society organizations active in Elbasan was an active part of these processes, contributing with their experience and suggestions for improving local governance.

Online, the official website of the Municipality of Elbasan and social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram) were used to distribute information, gather comments and ideas from citizens in real time, and publish drafts of the plan for public consultation. Platforms such as Zoom and Google Meet were also used for virtual meetings, especially during periods when physical participation was challenging.

What measures did you take to ensure diversity of representation (including vulnerable or marginalized populations) in these spaces?

To ensure diverse and inclusive representation in the co-creation processCollaboration between government, civil society and other stakeholders (e.g., citizens, academics, private sector) is at the heart of the OGP process. Participating governments must ensure that a dive... of the plan, the Municipality of Elbasan undertook several concrete measures to include vulnerable and marginalized groups:

• Special meetings with women and girls in the community, especially in rural areas, in collaboration with local organizations working for their empowerment.
• Inclusion of young people through activities in schools, youthRecognizing that investing in youth means investing in a better future, OGP participating governments are creating meaningful opportunities for youth to participate in government processes. Technical ... More centers, and universities, where they were encouraged to provide their opinions and ideas on local challenges.
• Cooperation with social support structures and organizations working with people with disabilitiesA government is not open unless it is accessible to all, and governments are working to ensure people with disabilities are afforded equitable services and opportunities to participate. Technical spec..., to ensure that they had the opportunity to participate in hearings and consultations, offering physical access and technical assistance where necessary.
• Representation of Roma and Egyptian communities, through direct contacts with community representatives and mediators, involving them in the consultation process and gathering ideas.
• Field consultations, going where people are — in neighborhoods, villages, community centers — to collect opinions and ensure that the voices of everyone are heard, not just those who have the opportunity to participate in formal settings.

The approach followed was based on the principle of equality and representation, making the process as inclusive and authentic as possible so that the action plan truly reflects the needs and priorities of every segment of society in the Municipality of Elbasan.

Who participated in these spaces?

The co-creation process involved a wide range of participants from various sectors and organizations, ensuring an inclusive approach and diverse contributions. Key participants included:

• Statistics and Performance Sector
• Right to Information Sector
• Social Inclusion and Protection Sector
• Project Sector
• Youth Sector
• NGOs focusing on issues such as genderOGP participating governments are bringing gender perspectives to popular policy areas, ensuring diversity in participatory processes, and specifically targeting gender gaps in policies to address gov... More equality, youth empowerment, and marginalized groups.

This diverse representation ensured that the action plan reflected a wide spectrum of perspectives and community needs, fostering a more inclusive and effective approach to open governance. The involvement of these groups within the municipality contributed to the development of a comprehensive and collaborative strategy.

How many groups participated in these spaces?

6

How many public-facing meetings were held in the co-creation process?

8

How will government and non-governmental stakeholders continue to collaborate through the implementation of the action plan?

For the implementation of the action plan, the Municipality of Elbasan will ensure continuous collaboration with non-governmental actors in a structured and inclusive way. This cooperation will rely on several concrete mechanisms:

Periodic meetings of the Local Actors Forum, gathering representatives from the municipality, civil society, private sectorGovernments are working to open private sector practices as well — including through beneficial ownership transparency, open contracting, and regulating environmental standards. Technical specificat... More, academia, and interest groups to monitor progress, share insights, and address challenges.

A joint Monitoring Committee, including members from the municipality and civil society, will oversee implementation, evaluate results, and suggest improvements.

An online platform will enhance transparency and participation by allowing citizens and organizations to follow the action plan’s progress, give feedback, and access data and reports.

Joint community activities such as awareness campaigns, forums, and workshops will strengthen institutional ties with citizens.

Partner organizations will contribute as advisors and implementers of specific actions based on their expertise.

This approach will help turn the collaboration spirit built during planning into a lasting mechanism for open and effective local governance in Elbasan.

Please describe the independent Monitoring Body you have identified for this plan.

The monitoring of the OGP Action Plan will be carried out by an independent civil society actor— the organization “Tjetër Vizion,” which has extensive experience in the field of citizen participation, transparency, and community development in the Municipality of Elbasan.

This process will include:

• Periodic monitoring reports, prepared by “Tjetër Vizion,” that will analyze the progress of the plan’s implementation, assessing compliance with established deadlines and objectives, and providing concrete recommendations for improvement.
• Public meetings and consultations with the community, where citizens and interest groups will have the opportunity to provide feedback and suggestions regarding the plan’s progress and its impact on daily life.
• Ongoing collaboration with the Municipality of Elbasan, to discuss findings, share recommendations, and assist in timely adjustments to any deviations from commitments.
• Communication and transparency through publications in the media and social networks, ensuring wide public awareness of the OGP and its importance in local governance.

The involvement of an independent structure like “Tjetër Vizion” CSO ensures an objective, professional monitoring process based on the principle of public accountabilityAccording to OGP’s Articles of Governance, public accountability occurs when ”rules, regulations, and mechanisms in place call upon government actors to justify their actions, act upon criticisms ... More, transforming the Action Plan into a true tool for concrete improvements in the community’s quality of life.

Provide the contact details for the independent monitoring body.

• Tjeter Vizion, CSO, [email protected]

What types of activities will you have in place to discuss progress on commitments with stakeholders?

To discuss the progress on the Municipality’s commitment to creating a dialogue mechanism with citizens, meetings will be organized every two months with representatives from the local administration, the Municipal Council, civil society organizations, the media, the university, and interested citizens. These meetings will be held both at the Municipality’s premises and online, to ensure broad and inclusive participation.

To ensure transparency and accountability, surveys and digital consultation mechanisms will be used, strengthening the link between local governance and the community.

How will you regularly check in on progress with implementing agencies?

To regularly monitor the progress of the action plan, coordination meetings will be organized every two to three months, where representatives of the local administration, the Municipal Council, civil society, and interest groups will review the advancement of activities and the fulfillment of commitments within the OGP Action Plan.

Regular progress reports will be used, based on measurable indicators, ensuring that each involved party has clear information on the implementation. In addition to physical meetings, digital platforms and online communication channels will be used to share updates and enable real-time transparency and feedback.

How will you share the results of your monitoring efforts with the public?

The results of monitoring efforts will be shared with the public through periodically compiled reports, which will be available on the government’s website and other digital platforms. Public meetings and open forums will be organized to discuss the results and explain to citizens the progress of the action plan activities. Additionally, social media channels and newsletters will be used to distribute important information and engage citizens in the monitoring process. Participants will have the opportunity to provide comments and suggestions through these channels, ensuring full transparency and ongoing public engagement.

Endorsement from Non-Governmental Stakeholders

• Shpresa Banja, Forumi i Gruas, CSO
• Ervis Çota, Komuniteti Rom Egjiptian, CSO
• Fatbardha Nërgjoni, Fatkoje, Investigativ Media
• Rudina Çollaku, WCDAC, CSO
• Diana Kasa, Tjeter Vizion, CSO
• Ervis Sanço, University, Academic Staff
• Arjola Tashi, Yournalist, Local Media
• Miranda Sadiku, Yournalist, RTSH media
• Raxhi Rakipi, Active citizen,

Commitments:

• Establishing a Permanent Citizens’ Forum for Local Policy Development

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