On November 27th, the organization AIS, a leading advocate for Open Data Albania, hosted a training session for local organizations, activists, and journalists on the topic: “Civil Society and Parliament in the Process of Drafting, Consulting, and Approving the State Budget.”
The event was part of the project “Increasing Parliamentary Responsiveness to Citizens’ Concerns,” supported by the British Embassy in Tirana and implemented by a consortium led by IDM in collaboration with AIS and Citizens Channel.
The training focused on enhancing the skills and knowledge of civil society organizations (CSOs), activists, and media representatives, equipping them to engage effectively in state budget planning. The ultimate objective was to promote citizen participation in shaping policies on the allocation and use of public funds.
The initiative brought together 30 participants representing 22 CSOs from 17 municipalities across Albania, reflecting a diverse and nationwide effort to strengthen civic engagement in fiscal governance.
- Out of the 30 (thirty) participants, 27 were representatives of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), one was a local journalist, and two were youth activists.
- In terms of gender representation, 17 participants (57%) were male, while 13 participants (43%) were female.
- The training included representatives from 17 municipalities, as detailed in the list below.
- A total of 22 Civil Society Organizations were involved.
During the training, the Civil Society representatives shared ideas and suggestions aimed at strengthening the role of civic actors in the consultation and advocacy processes to promote equitable and well-distributed budgets.
Assistance for Their Work and Advocacy for Rights-Based Budget Planning in Parliament
1. The importance of systematic and ongoing training on legal instruments and communication strategies with Parliament Representatives (MPs) was highlighted.
2. The necessity for support through “Umbrella” programs or projects with a comprehensive and long-term approach to working on Equitable and Inclusive Budgets was emphasized.
3. The capacity-building cycle should focus on equipping individuals with knowledge about budgets and the related preparation processes, providing training on understanding and analyzing budgets for various programs, and offering assistance in advocating for improved budgets that support the causes or groups they represent. Additionally, it should include support for preparing meetings with the Ministry of Finance or testimonies in parliamentary committees. Representatives from the municipalities of Korça and Pogradec suggested that these programs would be significantly more beneficial if they offered a complete cycle and extended over several years, particularly for causes linked to state budget allocations that impact specific regions or municipalities.
Concerns Raised by Representatives of Local NGOs.
The following concerns were raised by representatives of local non-governmental organizations:
• Financial Constraints and Lack of Support: There is a significant challenge due to financial difficulties, compounded by the insufficient support provided through small grants from local government entities, donors, and potential government programs. This undermines the sustainability of the NGOs’ capacities and long-term effectiveness.
• Educational Budget Issues: There are concerns regarding the allocation of funds for education, particularly for schools that are non-operational and inadequately monitored. While teachers receive salaries, many are not present at their assigned schools, raising questions about the effective use of allocated resources.
• Mineral Royalties and Local Government Revenue: The taxation of mineral royalties (taxes levied on the extraction of underground mineral resources) has been identified as a key issue. Currently, these taxes are collected by the central government, with only a limited portion being transferred to local governments (municipalities), thereby reducing local revenue sources.
• Environmental Impact of Mining and Rehabilitation Funding: Concerns were raised regarding the environmental effects of mining operations, particularly mining processing businesses, and the absence of adequate budget allocations for environmental rehabilitation in contaminated areas. This issue is particularly evident in municipalities such as Fushë-Arrëz and Kukës.
• Social Assistance and Pension Levels: A shared concern among representatives is the low level of social assistance and pensions for the elderly. Furthermore, the failure to approve a legally mandated minimum living wage exacerbates the situation for vulnerable populations.
You can find the agenda HERE
To access the list of participants and evidence: Click Here
Presentation: Parliamentary Oversight of Public Finances
Presentation: International initiatives for transparent Budgets, OpenBudget, and Parliament.
Draft Law on PPP Concessions: AIS (NGO) Raises Concerns regarding Compliance with EU Directives and Calls for Thorough Revision
/in Events, Press Releases /by adminThe organization AIS, promoter of Open Data Albania, has taken part in the public consultation process with the Albanian Government following the preparation of the Draft Law on Concessions and Public – Private Partnerships (PPP).
This draft law represents both an obligation and a commitment by the Albanian State to align with EU Directives 2014/23/EU, 2014/24/EU, and 2014/25/EU.
In April 2024, the Albanian Government established a Working Group led by the Ministry of Economy, Culture, and Innovation for the drafting of this legislation. On May 6th, 2025, the Working Group published Draft Law and its accompanying Explanatory Report on the Government’s Public Consultation Platform:
AIS has long-standing experience in the field of public procurement and contracting, having actively promoted Open Contracting standards and analyzed public procurement practices for transparency, efficiency, and competitiveness. The organization has previously contributed to the Public Consultation processes for the Public Procurement Law (2020) and its amendments (2024).
AIS submitted detailed questions, comments, requests, and suggestions to the Government Working Group through the consultation platform and via email.
AIS concludes that the current Draft Law does not meet the necessary standards for proper approximation with EU Directives. The draft contains multiple ambiguities, lacks guarantee for integrity and competitive procedures in the PPP sector, and fails to ensure inclusive consultation with public institutions affected by its field of application. Additionally, the draft does not address the need for improved legal regulation and clarity, which is critical considering Albania’s recent high-risk experiences with PPPs and concessions. As of now, 7 out of 15 budget-supported PPP/concession contracts are under investigation by the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecution Office.
AIS recommends:
Key concerns highlighted by AIS include:
In light of the above, AIS urges that the Draft Law be returned for in-depth review. The Working Group should be expanded to include other relevant state institutions.
The Ministry of Economy, Culture, and Innovation (MEKI), in cooperation with the Public Procurement Agency (APP), should activate a civil society engagement platform, including at least one roundtable for presentations, discussion, and feedback. This law is a crucial requirement under Cluster 1, Chapter 5 (Public Procurement) of the EU integration process.
AIS further recommends:
The accompanying Explanatory Report should be enriched with arguments and analysis on alignment with EU Directives, as well as lessons learned from Albania’s problematic experiences with PPPs and concessions currently under criminal investigation.
AIS has developed a Transparency Register for PPPs and Concessions operating in Albania, available. This register includes data on awarded contracts, implementing business entities, contract subjects, economic performance, financial and administrative management, and budget payments.
Additionally, the Open Data Albania portal presents indicators on the performance of PPPs and concessions. Between 2013 and 2025, Albania approved or operated 280 PPP/concession contracts across sectors including health, waste processing (incinerators), road transport, ports, airports, educational and water infrastructure. Of these, 15 contracts receive direct budget support. Contingent liabilities for these contracts amount to approximately 10% of Albania’s GDP – making it the most financially exposed country in Europe in terms of PPP-related obligations.
OpenDataFellowship 2025 by AIS – Empowering Students and Young Activists Through the Power of Open Data
/in Press Releases /by adminThe AIS (NGO) is pleased to announce that the OpenDataFellowship – Youth Empowerment Against Corruption 2025 program has officially started. A selected group of students and young activists from four public and private universities has begun their journey of learning and practice in the use of open data for research, analysis, and data-driven advocacy. Participants — students from Economics, Journalism, Law, and Social Sciences, as well as members of civil society — are engaging in a structured training cycle that includes info sessions, hands-on practice, and mentorship. The program focuses on transparency, anti-corruption tools, and the use of public databases to foster accountability. The Fellowship will reach its finale in October with participation in DataThon Albania, where fellows will work on practical, data-based advocacy projects. By the end of the program, participants will receive certificates, gain new analytical skills, and may collaborate further with AIS in open data initiatives. This initiative aims to empower young people, promote civic engagement, and encourage the use of data as a tool for transparency and integrity.
Related Events:
Albanian Parliament after the May 2025 Elections – AIS Publishes Integrity Declarations for 140 Elected MPs
/in Homeposts, Press Releases /by adminOn May 11, 2025, parliamentary elections were held in Albania, resulting in the selection of 140 members of Parliament. More than half of them will serve in the Assembly for the first time. The portal Spending Data Albania, through its database “Money and Power,” enables citizens to better understand the profile and background of each MP. This database, created and maintained by the non-governmental organization AIS, makes available to the public comprehensive information and official documents related to the integrity, professional experience, and economic and financial interests of every newly elected or re-elected MP. For each MP, the following documents are publicly accessible: Curriculum Vitae (CV); Decriminalization Form; Declaration of Assets and Interests. This initiative aims to strengthen public oversight, ensure institutional transparency, and build trust in democratic representation by providing easy access to verified data about elected officials. Publishing integrity-related documents and asset declarations for each MP is a key standard of an Open Parliament.
You can find the publications at the link: Asset Declarations Parliament Asset Declarations – Open Spending Albania
Initiative for Transparency and Accountability in the Legislative Process: ACER and AIS lead CSO Training on Corruption Proofing of Draft Laws in Parliament
/in Events, Homeposts, Press Releases /by adminThe Albanian Center for Economic Research (ACER), in collaboration with AIS / Open Data Albania and with the support of the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) in Albania, is implementing an initiative aimed at strengthening civil society engagement to enhance transparency and accountability throughout the legislative process in the Albanian Parliament.
On June 30th, the two organizations held a training session with representatives of civil society organizations active in the areas of rule of law, European integration, good governance, human rights, and civic participation. Eleven experts from eight organizations were trained on the legislative process, corruption measurement indexes, and the preventive assessment of legal acts adopted by Parliament.
See the agenda Here.
This initiative will continue with the strengthening of civil society organizations’ capacities through:
These legal opinions will be presented to Members of Parliament, parliamentary committees, and other stakeholders involved in the legislative drafting and approval process. The Westminster Foundation for Democracy has previously supported the implementation of this methodology in Albania, including the assessment of the draft laws on Gambling and the State Police. The methodology provided through WFD’s assistance has now been integrated into the formal procedures of legislative scrutiny within the Albanian Parliament.
Additional Information on the Training – June 30, 2025
📍 Training Title: “The Legislative Process, Corruption Measurement Indexes, and Preventive Assessment of Legal Acts of Parliament”
Participant Overview:
Participating organizations represent diverse fields, including:
List of Beneficiary Organizations:
About the CPL Methodology
The Corruption Proofing of Legislation (CPL) methodology aims to identify, in the early stages of the legislative process, those elements within draft laws that may create opportunities for corruption during their implementation or interpretation.
This is a systematic approach that can be applied by Parliament, specialized anti-corruption institutions, or civil society organizations. The implementation of CPL contributes to improved transparency, accountability, and quality of the legislation being adopted.
Public Consultation on the Anticorruption Draft-Strategy. AIS proposes the inclusion of State Owned Companies (SOC) in the list of high-risk sectors
/in Homeposts, Press Releases /by adminIn 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:
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).
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
Executive Director AIS / OpenDataAlbania
Training – Tracking Corruption through Data and Evidence: Issues of Transparency
/in Events, Homeposts, Press Releases /by adminOrganizer: Albanian Institute of Science (AIS), promotor of Open Data Albania.
Participants:
Project:
This activity takes place within the framework of the “EU4 Rule of Law: Citizen Engagement for Public Integrity (CEPI) in the Western Balkans and Turkey” project. The Project is funded by the European Union.
Topics covered in the training:
Practical aspects of monitoring through data were also addressed, specifically:
Below you can find photos and videos from the Training:
Agenda: Download here.
List of participation: Download here.
Presentation: Anti-Corruption, The Sectoral Approach
Presentation: Open Spending Data – Evidence for each Treasury Transaction payment
Presentation: Open Corporates Albania – Data and Documentation on Publicly Contracted Companies
Presentation: Open Procurement Albania and the Red Flag Algorithm
Presentation: Money and Power, Asset Declaration – Asset declaration of High-Ranking Officials
Tracking Corruption through Open Data and Evidence. Training for activists and journalists
/in Homeposts, Press Releases /by adminA total of 85 young activists and journalists have been trained by the AIS organization on the practical aspects of Tracking Corruption through Open Data and Evidence-Based Data.
The final session of this training took place on October 11-12th, as part of the activities of the EU4 Rule of Law: Citizens Engagement for Public Integrity (CEPI) project in the Western Balkans and Turkey, funded by the European Union.
The use of Open Data in preventing and combating corruption is part of the mission and daily work of the AIS organization. Our organization’s work in the creation and operation of Databases that ensure transparency and risk assessment in the distribution of Public Money and Contracts is unique in its kind in our country.
More specifically, we operate the Spending Data Albania, Open Procurement Albania and Open Corporates Albania databases. We facilitate civil society actions in Preventing and Combating Corruption through access to our databases and first-hand data. This data infrastructure needs, where information is published with high quality and in manner that allows connections between datasets, encourages activists and journalists to join our training sessions on Using Open Data in Fighting Corruption. The EU4 Rule of Law project is implemented by Transparency International and partner organizations.
Workshop organized by AIS, topic: “Civil Society and Parliament in the Process of Drafting, Consulting, and Approving the State Budget
/in Events, Homeposts, Press Releases /by adminOn November 27th, the organization AIS, a leading advocate for Open Data Albania, hosted a training session for local organizations, activists, and journalists on the topic: “Civil Society and Parliament in the Process of Drafting, Consulting, and Approving the State Budget.”
The event was part of the project “Increasing Parliamentary Responsiveness to Citizens’ Concerns,” supported by the British Embassy in Tirana and implemented by a consortium led by IDM in collaboration with AIS and Citizens Channel.
The training focused on enhancing the skills and knowledge of civil society organizations (CSOs), activists, and media representatives, equipping them to engage effectively in state budget planning. The ultimate objective was to promote citizen participation in shaping policies on the allocation and use of public funds.
The initiative brought together 30 participants representing 22 CSOs from 17 municipalities across Albania, reflecting a diverse and nationwide effort to strengthen civic engagement in fiscal governance.
During the training, the Civil Society representatives shared ideas and suggestions aimed at strengthening the role of civic actors in the consultation and advocacy processes to promote equitable and well-distributed budgets.
Assistance for Their Work and Advocacy for Rights-Based Budget Planning in Parliament
1. The importance of systematic and ongoing training on legal instruments and communication strategies with Parliament Representatives (MPs) was highlighted.
2. The necessity for support through “Umbrella” programs or projects with a comprehensive and long-term approach to working on Equitable and Inclusive Budgets was emphasized.
3. The capacity-building cycle should focus on equipping individuals with knowledge about budgets and the related preparation processes, providing training on understanding and analyzing budgets for various programs, and offering assistance in advocating for improved budgets that support the causes or groups they represent. Additionally, it should include support for preparing meetings with the Ministry of Finance or testimonies in parliamentary committees. Representatives from the municipalities of Korça and Pogradec suggested that these programs would be significantly more beneficial if they offered a complete cycle and extended over several years, particularly for causes linked to state budget allocations that impact specific regions or municipalities.
Concerns Raised by Representatives of Local NGOs.
The following concerns were raised by representatives of local non-governmental organizations:
• Financial Constraints and Lack of Support: There is a significant challenge due to financial difficulties, compounded by the insufficient support provided through small grants from local government entities, donors, and potential government programs. This undermines the sustainability of the NGOs’ capacities and long-term effectiveness.
• Educational Budget Issues: There are concerns regarding the allocation of funds for education, particularly for schools that are non-operational and inadequately monitored. While teachers receive salaries, many are not present at their assigned schools, raising questions about the effective use of allocated resources.
• Mineral Royalties and Local Government Revenue: The taxation of mineral royalties (taxes levied on the extraction of underground mineral resources) has been identified as a key issue. Currently, these taxes are collected by the central government, with only a limited portion being transferred to local governments (municipalities), thereby reducing local revenue sources.
• Environmental Impact of Mining and Rehabilitation Funding: Concerns were raised regarding the environmental effects of mining operations, particularly mining processing businesses, and the absence of adequate budget allocations for environmental rehabilitation in contaminated areas. This issue is particularly evident in municipalities such as Fushë-Arrëz and Kukës.
• Social Assistance and Pension Levels: A shared concern among representatives is the low level of social assistance and pensions for the elderly. Furthermore, the failure to approve a legally mandated minimum living wage exacerbates the situation for vulnerable populations.
You can find the agenda HERE
To access the list of participants and evidence: Click Here
Presentation: Parliamentary Oversight of Public Finances
Presentation: International initiatives for transparent Budgets, OpenBudget, and Parliament.
Instill Watchdog Culture – Training on Monitoring Public Spending and Procurement in Local Governance, Has
/in Events, Homeposts, Press Releases /by adminOn December 18, 2024, AIS – promoter of Open Data Albania organized a training and workshop focused on Strengthening the Culture of Monitoring, with a particular emphasis on Monitoring Public Spending and Contracting in Local Government Units.
This activity was held as part of the project “Youth Activism for Good Governance and Strengthening the Culture of Monitoring and Civic Engagement”, with the financial support of the Small Grants Program of the Commission for Democracy of the U.S. Embassy Tirana.
The training gathered motivated young individuals, activists, and civil society representatives interested in enhancing transparency and accountability in public financial management.
A total of 33 participants attended the training, of which 23 participants were direct beneficiaries of the training. Other participants: 4 representatives from Local Government Units, 3 experts & organizers of the training, 3 representatives from other local institutions.
Among the 23 direct beneficiaries:
In terms of gender distribution 12 participants (52%) were men and 11 participants (48%) were women.
For access to the full participant list, refer to this document.
The primary goal of this training was to empower youth and citizens to take a more active role in monitoring public finances and promoting transparency and accountability at the local level.
Participants developed skills in the following areas:
For the detailed agenda, click here.
Highlights from the training – see photos below!
You can find the training materials in the linked document.
Pre-event survey evidence on the training held on December 18, 2024, in Has.
Post-event survey evidence after the training held on December 18, 2024, in Has.
Forcimi i Kulturës së Monitorimit – Trajnim mbi Monitorimin e Shpenzimeve dhe Kontraktimeve Publike në Qeverisjen Vendore Berat
/in Events, Press Releases /by adminForcimi i Kulturës së Monitorimit – Trajnim mbi Monitorimin e Shpenzimeve dhe Kontraktimeve Publike në Qeverisjen Vendore Berat
Më 21 Dhjetor 2024, AIS – promotor i Open Data Albania organizoi një trajnim dhe workshop mbi Forcimin e Kulturës së Monitorimit, duke u fokusuar në Monitorimin e Shpenzimeve dhe Kontraktimeve Publike në Njësitë e Qeverisjes Vendore.
Ky aktivitet u zhvillua në kuadër të projektit “Aktivizëm Rinor për Qeverisje të Mirë dhe Forcim të Kulturës së Monitorimit dhe Aktivizmit”, me Mbështetjen Financiare të Programit të Granteve të Vogla të Komisionit për Demokraci të Ambasadës së SHBA në Tiranë.
Në këtë trajnim morën pjesë të rinj të motivuar, aktivistë dhe përfaqësues të shoqërisë civile.
Në trajnim ishin të pranishëm gjithsej 26 pjesëmarrës, nga të cilët 21 ishin përfitues të drejtpërdrejtë të trajnimit. Pjesëmarrësit e tjerë: 2 përfaqësues nga Njësitë e Qeverisjes Vendore dhe 3 ekspertë & organizator të trajnimit.
Ndër 21 përfituesit e drejtpërdrejtë të trajnimit:
Ndër 23 përfituesit e drejtpërdrejtë të trajnimit:
Sa i përket shpërndarjes gjinore, 7 pjesëmarrës (33%) ishin burra dhe 14 (67%) pjesmarrës gra.
Për të aksesuar listën e pjesëmarrësve, referojuni këtij dokumenti.
Objektiv i trajnimit është fuqizimi i të rinjve dhe qytetarëve për të luajtur një rol më aktiv në monitorimin e financave publike dhe për të promovuar transparencën dhe llogaridhënien në nivel lokal.
Përfituesit e trajnimit zhvilluan aftësi në fushat e mëposhtme:
> Si të marrim pjesë në proceset vendimmarrëse dhe konsultimet për buxhetin
> Kuptimi i ciklit buxhetor: nga planifikimi deri te zbatimi dhe auditimi
> Instrumente për përfshirjen qytetare në hartimin e politikave dhe investimeve publike
> Llojet e shpenzimeve publike dhe si ndahen fondet në nivel vendor dhe qendror
> Si të monitorojmë shpenzimet publike dhe të kuptojmë buxhetin vendor
> Gjurmimi i të dhënave për shpenzimet dhe kontraktimet publike përmes platformave Open Data
> Ushtrim praktik mbi përgatitjen e një propozimi për investimet e bashkisë dhe përcjelljen e kërkesave te vendimmarrësit
Për të aksesuar agjendën e detajuar, kliko këtu.
Momente nga trajnimi – shihni fotot më poshtë!
Mund të gjeni materialet e trajnimit në dokumentin e bashkëngjitur.
Evidenca Pre-Event Survey mbi Trajnimin e mbajtur datë 21 dhjetor 2024 në Berat.
Evidenca Post-Event Survey pas Trajnimit data 21 dhjetor 2024 në Berat.