In recent years, changes in laws and administrative procedures have made progress toward greater budget transparency in Albania. However, challenges remain, especially at the local level, where information on budgets and public procurement is often incomplete, scattered, or hard to access.
Without clear and reliable information, citizens and civil society groups struggle to take part in budget decisions or track how public funds are spent. Open access to information and active public participation are key to building trust in institutions, delivering better public services, and reducing the chances of mismanagement or corruption.
Over the past two years, the BAT-Civil Society Project, supported by the European Union, has worked to tackle these challenges. The project has helped local actors, including civil society organizations and investigative journalists, through tailored training, financial support, and joint initiatives. These efforts have aimed to make budget planning and oversight more inclusive, practical, and participatory. Still, lasting progress depends on closer, more structured collaboration between civil society and authorities, particularly those handling financial planning and management.
To encourage this collaboration, this national conference will bring together representatives from public institutions, civil society organizations, universities, media, and engaged citizens. Participants will reflect on current practices, review achievements, and explore the challenges that remain.
This gathering will provide a space for dialogue, help build stronger partnerships, generate practical recommendations, and support more accountable management of public funds in Albania.
More information on the event will be available soon.