Seven Municipalities Join Third Phase of the ReLOaD3 Programme in Albania

UNDP Albania

July 24, 2025

Tirana, July 24, 2025 – The municipalities of Shkodra, Lezha, Kavaja, Vlora, Berat, Mirdita, and Divjaka have been selected through a public call to participate as partner municipalities in the third phase of the Regional Programme on Local Democracy in the Western Balkans (ReLOaD3).

The ReLOaD3 programme, funded by the European Union and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), aims to strengthen local democracy by fostering cooperation between local authorities and civil society, as well as enhancing citizen participation in decision-making processes.

Among the selected municipalities, Shkodra, Lezha, and Kavaja have previously partnered with ReLOaD in earlier phases, demonstrating a continued commitment to good governance and participatory practices. Vlora, Berat, Mirdita, and Divjaka join the programme for the first time, expanding the reach and impact of ReLOaD3 across Albania.

These municipalities will benefit from financial support, capacity building, and technical support to strengthen transparent partnerships with civil society organizations (CSOs). Using the LOD methodology, ReLOaD3 will promote accountable public funding, inclusive local development, and structured civic engagement.

Map showing ReLOaD partner municipalities in Albania. Dark blue indicates municipalities participating in the third phase of the Regional Programme on Local Democracy in the Western Balkans (ReLOaD3), while light blue shows former ReLOaD partner municipalities.

UNDP Albania