Within the framework of national policies to strengthen local government, TALGA (Academy for Local Self-Government) was officially launched today, a new institution that aims to increase the professional capacities of local administration and modernize public services at the local level.

The launch of the Academy was accompanied by the signing of the agreement for its establishment, marking an important step in building a more capable, more professional and better prepared local government for the challenges of European integration.

A national structure for local self-government

TALGA is conceived as a national training and professional development structure, dedicated to employees and leaders of local self-government units. The Academy will serve as a practical mechanism for strengthening the institutional capacities of municipalities and improving their performance in providing services to citizens.

The focus of TALGA’s activity will be:

• increasing the professional skills of local administration;
• improving financial management and transparency;
  digitalization of local services;
• harmonizing local government standards with European practices.

In this way, the Academy aims to link public policies with concrete implementation in the territory, responding to the real needs of municipalities.

During the launch event, the Minister of State for Local Government, Mr. Ervin Demo, emphasized that the European integration process constitutes a historic challenge, in which local government has an essential role. A significant part of the acquis communautaire is directly related to the functions and responsibilities of municipalities, which makes it necessary to increase the awareness, capacities and institutional preparation of local administration. In this context, TALGA is expected to play a key role in supporting municipalities in facing these challenges.

International support and partnership

An important element of the Academy is its broad international partnership. The continuous support of partner countries such as Switzerland, Sweden and the Netherlands has been essential in the conception and construction of TALGA, ensuring compliance with European standards and international best practices.

This cooperation aims to bring expertise, concrete experiences and functional models that contribute to the professionalization of Albanian local administration.

Long-term vision for local governance

With the creation of TALGA, an important step is taken towards building a sustainable approach to human resource development at the local level. The Academy is expected to become a reference point for the training and professional development of local administration, strengthening the role of municipalities as key actors in the economic, social and territorial development of the country.

The focus of this initiative remains the citizen, through the provision of the highest quality, most transparent and fastest services, in accordance with European local governance standards.