On February 17, 2025, Albanian Centre for Economic Research organized a workshop with the aim to foster effective collaboration between civil society organizations (CSOs) and local government institutions to enhance governance in Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).
The event brought together 30 participants, including representatives from the Ministry of Finance, ATRAKO, ALSAI, and various CSOs.
Participants engaged in constructive dialogues centered on addressing current challenges and exploring opportunities for improved governance in Albania’s PPP landscape. This initiative aimed to build bridges between the public and private sectors, ultimately contributing to more transparent, accountable, and efficient PPPs that align with both national interests and EU directives.
Opening Remarks:
The workshop was opened with a welcoming speech from the Executive Director of ACER, who expressed his gratitude for the wide participation and interest shown in the workshop and the topics that would be addressed during the meeting. He emphasized the importance of open and constructive discussions to foster effective idea exchange between civil society organizations and institutional actors. Following this, Mr. Preçi briefly introduced the keynote speakers, highlighting their experience and expertise in their respective fields. He also explained in detail the workshop’s agenda, mentioning the key topics to be discussed, clarifying the order of sessions, and outlining the role of each speaker in addressing specific issues. In conclusion, he encouraged participants to actively engage in discussions and contribute their perspectives to achieve fruitful and beneficial results for all attendees.
Key Highlights:
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Legal and Institutional Framework:
- Emiliano Gjika from ATRAKO discussed the alignment of Albania’s PPP legal framework with EU Directive 2014/23/EU, highlighting gaps in risk-sharing and transparency.
- The need to strengthen ATRAKO’s monitoring capacity and enhance institutional resources was emphasized for better governance and accountability.
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Case Study – Tirana International Airport (TIA):
- The TIA concession was analyzed as a successful PPP model.
- Key aspects included investment commitments, renegotiation for improved services, and transparency challenges.
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Civil Society and Media’s Role in Transparency:
- CSOs emphasized the need for greater public consultation and contract monitoring.
- Media representatives highlighted the absence of a comprehensive PPP contract registry, affecting public accountability.
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Challenges and Recommendations:
- Institutional gaps in transparency, financial accountability, and civic engagement were identified.
- Strengthening cooperation between CSOs and public institutions was recommended to improve PPP governance.
Conclusion
The workshop successfully facilitated a constructive dialogue, bringing together key stakeholders to identify and address critical issues surrounding the governance of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in Albania. By examining the legal and institutional frameworks, including the alignment with EU standards, as well as specific case studies such as the Tirana International Airport (TIA) concession, the event provided valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the current system. The discussions also underscored the indispensable role of civil society and the media in promoting transparency, accountability, and public participation in the PPP process. Institutional gaps related to transparency, financial oversight, and civic engagement were identified as major barriers, and participants called for strengthening the collaboration between CSOs and public institutions to close these gaps. The workshop concluded with a shared commitment to fostering a more inclusive, transparent, and accountable approach to PPP governance, ultimately paving the way for greater public trust and more sustainable development in Albania’s PPP projects.
Presentations during the event:
Event Photos:
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