This policy brief presents the key findings and recommendations of a national study on the functioning of Municipal Councils in Albania in the context of the 2026 Administrative-Territorial Reform (ATR).
The analysis is based on a review of the legal framework and strategic documents, a survey of 128 representatives of Municipal Councils and their supporting structures, as well as six focus group discussions with municipal councillors, civil society representatives, and local governance experts.
The policy brief highlights the main challenges related to institutional and financial autonomy, the oversight function, representation, and public consultation. It also provides concrete recommendations to strengthen the role of Municipal Councils and promote more effective and democratic local governance.
This publication was prepared by the Institute for Democracy and Mediation (IDM) within the framework of the Strong Municipalities project, funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and the Government of Sweden, and implemented by Helvetas.
Read the policy brief here: ATR 2026: What About the Municipal Council? Findings and Recommendations.
This publication was translated with the assistance of AI and reviewed by a human editor.
