Balancing Act: Albanian Experiences of Local Government Relations with Central Government

Abstract

The European Union’s promotion of the multilevel governance approach redefines the relationships between supranational, national and local governments. As countries like Albania undergo adaptations in the accession process, finding a balance between local and national government relations becomes crucial. The review aims to explore the complex interplay of governance levels in Albania, drawing insightful comparisons with successful cases in Europe, and offering valuable lessons for the policymaking process. To foster greater cooperation between national and subnational levels, it is imperative to define roles and responsibilities clearly, ensure proper financing while national government takes a more strategic role. In Albania, facilitating meaningful interaction can be achieved through the Consultative Council for local and central government, alongside associations of local authorities, though it necessitates legal changes and commitment from local governments. The Albanian Law on Local Self-Government, established in 2015, coincided with a new administrative-territorial reform in the same year, presenting various challenges, particularly for local governments. Through this article, we aim to present scientific research and concrete results concerning the Albanian experience of local government relations with the central government, while providing a comparative analysis with other European countries. Additionally, specific recommendations are proposed to strengthen government interrelations, given the high priority of the EU accession process in the country’s development agenda.