Aktivizmi dhe Shoqëria Civile për Hartimin, Konsultimin dhe Zbatimin e Buxhetit të Shtetit në Parlament

Organizata AIS / Open Data Albania organizoi në datën 23 Tetor në qytetin e Lezhës një trajnim me aktivist, gazetar dhe përfaqësues të organizatave qeveritare. Tema Aktivizmi dhe Shoqëria Civile për Hartimin, Konsultimin dhe Zbatimin e Buxhetit të Shtetit.

Ky event mbahet në kuadër të Projektit Rritja e Përgjegjshmërisë së Parlamentit ndaj shqetësimeve të Qytetarëve, Projekt i mbështetur nga Ambasada Britanike në Tiranë dhe zbatuar nga një konsorcium drejtuar nga IDM në partneritet me AIS dhe Citizens Channel.

Objektiv i Trajnimit janë ngritja e kapaciteteve të OSHC-ve, aktivistëve dhe medias për të kontribuar në Planifikim e Buxhetit të Shtetit dhe mbi Politika të Shpërndarjes dhe Shpenzimit të Parave Publike.

Ky Cikël trajnimesh do të mbahet edhe në bashkitë Lezhë; Dibër; Shkodër; Kamzë; Tiranë dhe Malësi e Madhe me Target Përfaqësues të Shoqërisë Civile; Aktivist dhe Gazetar Lokal.

rajnimi synon aftësim për të kuptuar dhe monitoruar Procesin e Hartimit, Miratimit dhe Raportimit të Buxhetit të Shtetit në Parlament. Ngritje e kapaciteteve të tyre për të reaguar dhe marrë pjesë gjatë procesit të Planifikimit dhe Miratimit të Buxhetit të Shtetit dhe Politikave që lidhen me Financat Publike. Trajnimi synon edhe prezantimin e Instrumenteve të Mundshëm Ligjor për pjesëmarrjen, propozime apo seanca dëgjimore në Komisione Kuvendore.

Shiko agjendën në shqip KËTU

Shiko agjendën në anglisht KËTU

Aktivist nga rajoni i Lezhës veç leksioneve mbi njohuri dhe aftësim, provuan edhe të krijojnë kazuse se si mund të reagojnë për buxhetim dhe shpërndarje më të mirë të Parave Publike. Arsimi dhe buxhetimit i këtij sektori ishte një nga momentet që ngjalli më shumë interes mes pjesëmarrësve duke theksuar se rajoni has dy lloj vështirësish. Zona urbane ka kapacitete të pakta në shkolla publike mbingarkesë në klasa, mësime në turne dhe numër të kufizuar arsimtarësh. Ndërkohë në zona rurale shkollat funksionojnë me numër shumë të kufizuar nxënësish duke rrezikuar edhe ekzistencën e klasave dhe shkollave dhe duke ndikuar për keq në edukimin dhe jetën e banorëve përkatës.

Aktivist nga rajoni i Lezhës veç leksioneve mbi njohuri dhe aftësim, provuan edhe të krijojnë kazuse se si mund të reagojnë për buxhetim dhe shpërndarje më të mirë të Parave Publike. Arsimi dhe buxhetimit i këtij sektori ishte një nga momentet që ngjalli më shumë interes mes pjesëmarrësve duke theksuar se rajoni has dy lloj vështirësish. Zona urbane ka kapacitete të pakta në shkolla publike mbingarkesë në klasa, mësime në turne dhe numër të kufizuar arsimtarësh. Ndërkohë në zona rurale shkollat funksionojnë me numër shumë të kufizuar nxënësish duke rrezikuar edhe ekzistencën e klasave dhe shkollave dhe duke ndikuar për keq në edukimin dhe jetën e banorëve përkatës.

Thirrje për të rinj aktivist nga Berati dhe Hasi.

Ftohen të aplikojnë të rinj që kanë dëshirë të jenë Qytetar Aktiv, të Informuar dhe Pjesëmarrës.

Organizata AIS promotore e Open Data Albania dëshiron të ftojë të rinj nga dy Bashki të vendit Has dhe Berat të bëhen pjesë e aktiviteteve për rritje të ndërgjegjësimit dhe kapaciteteve për advokim dhe monitorim të Shpenzimeve dhe Kontraktimeve Publike.

Individët që dëshirojnë të marrin pjesë në trajnime, infosesione dhe diskutime të hapura duhet të jenë nën 30 vjeç, banor ose rezident në këto dy bashki.

Apliko LINK

Thirrja dhe Programi me të rinj realizohet në mbështetje të Projektit Aktivizëm Rinor për Qeverisje të Mirë dhe Forcim të Kulturës së Monitorimit dhe Aktivizmit (Youth Activism for Good Governance in Berat and Has Municipalities: Instilling Watchdog and Activism Culture).

25 deri 30 të rinj do të përzgjidhen me aplikim dhe do te ftohen të marrin pjesë në trajnime dhe aktivitete ndërgjegjësuese me qëllim aftësim dhe edukim për Qeverisje Transparente.

Afati për plotësim të dokumenteve është deri më 26 Tetor.

Krijo Aftësi dhe Fuqizohu në Monitorim, Pjesëmarrje dhe Advokim për Shpërndarje të drejtë të Parave dhe Kontratave Publike

Organizata që Ju fton të merrni pjesë.

DATATHON ALBANIA 2024

The Albanian Institute of Science (AIS), contracted as a local implementing partner for the OSCE Presence in Albania, organized DataThon 2024,

Public Consultation on the Anticorruption Draft-Strategy. AIS proposes the inclusion of State Owned Companies (SOC) in the list of high-risk sectors

In response to the Invitation of the Ministry of State for Public Administration and Anticorruption, for participation in the Public Consultation of the Draft – National Anticorruption Strategy, launched in July 2024, the AIS organization participated in the Meeting with Civil Society and also addressed written suggestions and opinions. Evaluating the completed document and the opportunity to participate in public consultation, AIS suggests an Additional Objective for the Strategy.

Below is the letter addressed to the Institution.

Recommendations provided for Public Consultation

Addressed to:     Ministry of State for Public Administration and Anticorruption

Subject:         Providing recommendations in the frame of the Sectoral Strategy Against Corruption 2024-2023

From:                  Organization Albanian Institute of Sciences (AIS, promoter of Open Data Albania

Date:                    August 30, 2024

 

Honorable Madam Minister,

Honorable officials of the Ministry of State for Public Administration and Anticorruption,

Through this letter, allow us to convey our consideration for the work carried out by your Institution in drafting the Intersectoral Strategy against Corruption. We would also like to thank you for administering the consultation and opinion gathering process, carried out in collaboration with civil society and business actors. Holding the document, the goals, objectives and priority measures foreseen in great esteem, the organization Albanian Institute of Sciences (acronym AIS), known as Open Data Promoter for Albania, would like to submit two additional recommendations, which we deem should be included in the Strategy, as detailed below:

  1. To add to Specific Objective 1.3 the Prevention of Corruption, Depoliticization and Improvement of the Integrity of Publicly Owned Enterprises

We recommend that, in addition to the Sectors cited in the draft, the Sector of Publicly Owned Companies and Enterprises (SOC – state owned enterprise/corporates) should also be considered as part of the Strategy. This sector is of particular importance, as it manages public assets and public human resources. Likewise, some of the companies in this sector offer exclusive services to citizens (water, energy) or operate in sectors of paramount importance for national security (water supply, ports, etc.). Our organization, like other actors, for years has considered this sector risky in terms of management, financial control and the use of public assets and public resources. Likewise, the latter’s misuse in Election campaigns has been systematically highlighted in relation to the SOC sector.

More importantly, we would like one of the Specific Objectives of the Strategy to be dedicated to the revision of the Legislation and Statutes (through the MP’s or Local Government Units), guaranteeing legal, sub-legal and statutory regulation of the SOC Companies. The regulation, in the legal and sub-legal framework, should be such as to guarantee meritocracy based management (criteria and competition), clear rules for depoliticization of the director and senior managers, clear statutory provisions for internal and external audits, as well as financial control.

The SOC sector is important in terms of meeting the criteria and conditions of the country as a candidate for EU membership, specifically the criteria for Financial Control (chapter 32).

  1. Involvement of Civil Society, Organizations. Objective 3.3.2

Considering this aspect as quite important in terms of Anti-corruption Policies, we suggest that more outputs be targeted and not to be limited to awareness campaigns alone. In principle, we would recommend a cooperation agreement between the Ministry and Civil Society Organizations that work in oversight, litigation and strengthening in the efficiency of the legal provisions in the sectors deemed as risky. These agreements would also guarantee the exchange of evidence, reports, products of these civil actors (non-governmental associations, business associations or interest groups). Likewise, we propose holding joint events to raise awareness, educate and build capacity for good governance. Agreements between institutions and NGOs or Integrity Pacts (mainly the public procurement sector) are mechanisms that have been successfully applied to improve anti-corruption circumstances in some EU or even candidate countries. These types of agreements would facilitate the work of watchdog actors and would guarantee more accurate addressing of the findings on the risk assessments, carried out by civil society organizations.

In the same way, we would suggest that this Objective, in addition to the Awareness Campaigns, also consider as a potential output the cooperation of institutions with civil actors in the detection and prevention of corruption cases.

Congratulating you once again on the Draft Strategy document, we hope that the above stated recommendations will be given due consideration and we wish you success in the finalization and implementation of this Strategy.

With the highest regard,

Aranita BRAHAJ – AIS Executive Director

Round table: Institutional Risk Assessment in Tendering and the need for intervention.

Round table: Institutional Risk Assessment in Tendering and the need for intervention.

A meeting was held with the head of the Public Procurement Agency and investigative journalists discussing the Institutional Risk Assessment in Tendering and the need for intervention.

While the Government aims to initiate a Reform and Initiative for Legal and Sectoral Changes regarding Public Procurement, the applying organization has contested several aspects of these Legal Changes within the realm of public procurement. These contested aspects pose risks of limiting access for civil actors, media, citizens, and representatives of watchdog associations.

The concerns stem from the creation of a new electronic system for Tender Notification and its development, which is expected to be accompanied by tendering services from a private Operator requiring payment. This development raises concerns about potential barriers to information and participation, potentially limiting transparency and inclusivity in the public procurement.


Call for Applications to Participate in DataThon 2024

The AIS organization, a promoter of Open Data for Albania, in collaboration with the OSCE Presence in Albania, invites you to apply to be part of the Marathon for Open and Transparent Data, DataThon 2024.

This year’s Open Data Marathon is dedicated to young people and will focus on state budget data and public finances.

The event will be held in Tirana in the early days of July.

We invite and welcome applications from young people who wish to empower themselves in financial education with principles and models of open budget and participatory budgeting.

Who can apply:

  • Young people aged 20 to 30 years old
  • Students, professionals, economists, lawyers, activists, researchers, or data enthusiasts
  • Young people who wish to participate and contribute to awareness and civic activism

How to apply: Fill out the Application Form with information related to your identity, education, profession, and engagement. Don’t forget to provide your contact details and a reason why you wish to be part of DataThon Albania 2024.

How much time do I need to commit? In the upcoming weeks, successful candidates will be invited to a kick-off event, and two workshops or info sessions. During these Startup-style events, the topic selection, group division, monitoring, database presentation, data collection, and analysis will take place.

In a final DataThon event, each participant will present graphs, visualizations, analyses, and civic viewpoints on a topic related to Transparent and Participatory Budgeting.

What happens after the Marathon?

  • The best works will be published on the AIS project page ‘FollowtheMoney.al’
  • The most outstanding participant will be engaged at AIS/OpenDataAlbania as an analyst staff with a 3 to 6-month contract
  • Promotion and Creativity for participants
  • Networking with young data enthusiasts

Background:

DataThons are open, creative, motivating, useful, and awareness-raising events. The word DataThon comes from Data+Marathon. DataThons can be organized anytime by groups with a desire and passion for data and interest in a topic or sector. In Albania, the first DataThon was held in December 2011 by the AIS, promoter of OpenDataAlbania. Since then, AIS has organized open marathons every year, such as DiploHack, DataThon, and Hackathon with the most recent one was in April 2023.

For questions, email [email protected]

Join the most Creative and Intelligent Marathon!!

#DataThonAlbania2024

#OpenBudget

#YouthFinancialEducation

#ParticipatoryBudgeting

#OpenDataAlbania

 

Event: Media dhe Parlamenti: Mbikëqyrja e Financave Publike dhe Raportimi i Buxhetit të Shtetit

AGJENDA

Event:
Media dhe Parlamenti: Mbikëqyrja e Financave Publike dhe Raportimi i Buxhetit të Shtetit

Organizator:
AIS, promotor i Open Data Albania

Projekti dhe Partneriteti:
“Rritja e përgjegjshmërisë së Parlamentit ndaj shqetësimeve të qytetarëve” një projekt i mbështetur nga Ambasada Britanike në Tiranë dhe zbatuar nga një konsorcium, i drejtuar nga IDM, në partneritet me Citizens Channel dhe AIS

Vendi:
Salla Praga, Hotel Rogner Tirana

Data:
Mars 29, 2024

 

Agjenda:

Kliko këtu

 

Workshop: With the participation of representatives from the Parliament and Supreme State Audit Administrations

Workshop:
With the participation of representatives from the Parliament and Supreme State Audit Administrations

About aspects on participation, monitoring, and dialogue with citizens during the drafting and reporting of public finances.

The workshop can also be considered as a follow-up to the previous event held on January 31, 2024, titled “Oversight of Public Finances, on the Role of Parliament, Institutions and Civil Society”.

Organizer:
AIS, promotor of Open Data Albania

Project and Partnership:
Increasing Parliament’s Responsiveness to Citizens’ Concerns, Project supported by the British Embassy in Tirana and implemented by a consortium led by IDM, in partnership with Citizens Channel and AIS

Venue:
Hotel Tirana Marriott, Vjosa Hall, 3rd Floor

Day:
March 1, 2024

 

Agenda:
Download here

 

Training: Civil Society and the role of the Parliament in the Drafting, Consultation and Approval Process of the State Budget

Training Agenda
Malësi e Madhe, March 08rd, 2024

Title:
Civil Society and the role of the Parliament in the Drafting, Consultation and Approval Process of the State Budget

Organized by:
AIS, promotor of Open Data Albania

Project and Partnership:
Increasing Parliament’s Responsiveness to Citizens’ Concerns, Project supported by the British Embassy in Tirana and implemented by a consortium led by IDM, in partnership with Citizens Channel and AIS.

Objective:
Building the capacities of CSOs, activists and local media to contribute in the planning of the state budget and public spending policies

Area:
Districts of Lezhë; Dibër; Shkodër; Kamzë; Kukës; Tiranë; Malësi e Madhe

Target group:
Representatives of Civil Society; Activists and Local Journalists

Project Preview
With the support of the British Embassy in Tirana, the Institute for Democracy and Mediation (IDM) in partnership with Citizens Channel and the Albanian Institute of Sciences (AIS), will implement the project “Increasing the responsiveness of the Parliament to citizens’ concerns”. This project aims to strengthen the Parliament’s efforts to foster an enabling environment for inherent engagement of citizens in the policy and legislative processes in the country, as a means of promoting public interest and building trust in the institution.

Activity Preview
The Training, aims two of the targeted districts, aims to increase the capacities of civil society, allowing them to improve their understanding of the Budgeting process and enable their participation in the Budgeting cycle in the Parliament. The training aims to strengthen comprehension and monitoring skills in regards to the Drafting, Approval and Reporting Process of the State Budget in the Parliament, as well as raise responsiveness and participation capabilities during the phases of Planning and Approval of the State Budget and policies concerning Public Finances. Another aims of the training is to inform about the existing legal instruments who allow for participation, proposals or hearings in the Parliamentary Committees.

Target group:
Representatives of Civil Society; Activists and Local Journalists.

Agenda: Download here

Event: Oversight of Public Finances. On the Role of Parliament, Institutions and Civil Society

Organizer: AIS, promotor of Open Data Albania

Project and Partnership: Increasing Parliament’s Responsiveness to Citizens’ Concerns, Project supported by the British Embassy in Tirana and implemented by a consortium led by IDM, in partnership with Citizens Channel and AIS

Agenda: Download here

Opening and Welcoming Speech

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  • Mrs. Aranita Brahaj – AIS’ Executive Director
  • Mr. Sam Goldbart, First Secretary, Justice, Political and Homme Affairs British Embassy Tirana
  • Mr. Gjergji Vurmo, IDM Representative
  • Moderator: Mrs. Matilda Duri
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Panel no. 1

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Parliamentary Oversight of Public Finances and the Supreme State Audit Institution 

  • Expert – Prof. Lindita Lati Milo
  • Presentation of the Policy Paper: Findings and Recommendations
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Positions over the PP’s Findings and Recommendations

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Mr. Eduard Shalsi  
Chairman of the Committee for Economy and Finance

  • Mrs. Jorida Tabaku
  • Chairman of the Committee for European Affairs and Member of the Committee for Economy and Finance
  • Mr. Gjovalin Preci
  • Director of State Budget Audit Department, Supreme State Audit
  • Questions and Discussion

Panel no. 2

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Parliament and its Role in the Oversight of the Fiscal Policy. State Budget Drafting, Supervision and Reporting Processes

  • Expert – Prof. Petraq Milo
  • Presentation of the Report: Oversight Role of the Parliament. Findings and Recommendations
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Positions over the Report’s Findings and Recommendations 

  • Mrs. Pranvera Resulaj
  • Member of the Committee for Economy and Finance
  • Ms. Emilja Koliqi
  • Member of the Committee for Economy and Finance
  • Questions and Discussion 

The document part of the activities of the AIS organization for the Oversight of Public Finances – The Role of Parliament, Institutions and Civil Society LINK

Objective: In this event, through the presentation of the Policy Papers and Report, we aim to bring to attention findings and recommendations on aspects related to the role of the Parliament, its cooperation with institutions or other civil actors to ensure better processes for drafting, consultation and monitoring of the State Budget and Public Finances.

Likewise, during the discussions, we would like to create space for debate and exchange of arguments between high-level representatives from the Parliament, Constitutional Institutions, Ministry of Finance, Civil Society, and the Media.

Venue: Hotel Tirana Marriott, Bylis Hall, 3rd Floor

Day: January 31, 2024

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