EU awards 300,000 EUR to 15 Innovative Community Projects Across Seven Municipalities in Albania

Civil society organizations in  Shkodër, Lezhë, Mirditë, Kavajë, Divjakë, Berat and Vlorë have been awarded European Union grants worth EUR 300,000 for 15 innovative, inclusive and participatory projects that will directly benefit local communities. The activities will be implemented over the next year, with a focus on improving services for youth and vulnerable groups, environmental protection, economic development, tourism and culture.

The supported projects, implemented under the EU-funded and UNDP-implemented ReLOaD3 programme, were selected from among 128 applications submitted by civil society organisations in cooperation with municipalities. The projects reflect priorities and needs identified by local communities themselves.

In Kavajë and Vlorë, young people will have greater opportunities to participate in local decision-making through youth councils, citizen labs and community engagement initiatives. In Divjakë, Shkodër and Lezhë, projects will promote environmental awareness, flood prevention, recycling, composting and conservation education. Meanwhile, municipalities such as Berat and Mirditë will benefit from initiatives supporting eco-tourism, cultural heritage and local economic development. Several initiatives will also focus on improving digital access and practical ICT skills for young people, helping communities better prepare for opportunities in the digital economy.

“The EU places strong emphasis on strengthening local authorities — not only financially, but also institutionally and administratively. Effective municipalities are essential for delivering reforms, ensuring accountability and building public trust. Partnership with civil society organisations is equally important to ensure that reforms reflect citizens’ real needs and become truly inclusive. EU integration cannot be only a government project — it must become a societal project. EU programmes such as ReLOaD3 reflect this approach and will help deliver tangible benefits to communities across Albania,” said Ritva Heikkinen, Head of Cooperation at the Delegation of the EU to Albania.

“When citizens become part of the process, they also become part of the solution. We sincerely thank the European Union for its continued partnership and long-term support in helping strengthen inclusive and participatory local governance across Albania,” said Francisco Roquette, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP.

ReLOaD3 builds on the long-standing partnership between the European Union, UNDP, municipalities and civil society organisations to strengthen transparent, accountable and citizen-centred local governance across the Western Balkans. Beyond funding local initiatives, the programme supports stronger cooperation between local governments and communities, helping ensure that local development is inclusive, participatory and responsive to citizens’ needs.