Senior officials from the Western Balkans are convening in Tirana for a regional Open Government Partnership (OGP) summit aimed at boosting transparency, integrity, and public accountability. Hosted by Albania’s Ministry of State for Public Administration and Anti-Corruption, the two-day ministerial brings together representatives from Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia, among others, in a united bid to advance democratic governance.
Adea Pirdeni, Albania’s Minister of State for Public Administration and Anti-Corruption, opened the event, emphasising Tirana’s emerging role as a hub for regional discussions on governance. “Our commitment to open government aligns closely with EU standards,” Pirdeni said, noting that the journey toward EU integration is closely tied to strengthening transparency and public participation.
The OGP summit has attracted officials focused on improving institutional integrity, promoting citizen engagement, and leveraging technology for more accountable governance. Pirdeni highlighted the European Union’s support for implementing these initiatives, which are vital for long-term stability and EU membership aspirations. “Shared challenges in transparency unite us,” she stated, “and by advancing together, we lay stronger foundations for our societies.”
The meeting will cover strategies for institutional reform and anti-corruption, as well as new digital tools to enhance citizen access to information. Organisers said these themes reflect a broader commitment to achieving alignment with EU requirements, a key step toward future membership.
Discussions have focused on shared challenges and successes, with delegates affirming that the region’s integration into the EU requires collaborative governance improvements. The Tirana event follows a series of OGP meetings that have strengthened ties within the region and between these nations and the European Union.
