Vlahutin cites fiscal decentralization as a key priority in EU integration process

The European Union has assigned some duties to 61 municipalities in the country in order to be participants and assist in Albania’s integration process.

Fiscal decentralization, revenue collection, which is currently rated as the lowest in the region and in Europe, as well as investments and offering more services to citizens, have been the main demands of the EU ambassador to Albania, Romana Vlahutin.

“The EU-funded projects aim to make the first mapping of Albanian municipalities’ performance. Albania is behind with local revenues at 2.5 percent, much lower than the regional and EU countries average. Fiscal decentralization is the most important thing. Municipalities must benefit from businesses in their own areas and should be able to collect revenue, invest in services for citizens, and be ambitious so that they know how to attract investment,” Vlahutin said.

The statements were made at a conference that saw the participation of the European Union delegation, central and local government officials.

From January this year, in the framework of EU-supported projects Municipality for Europe, EU offices have been set up in each municipality of the country for the purpose of informing local authorities about its policies, funds and programs.

SCAN

*Material i përgatitur nga portali SCAN. Ripublikimi mund të bëhet vetëm kundrejt citimit të autorësisë dhe burimit origjinal.