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Empowering Civil Society in Albania: Six New Grant Agreements Signed to Strengthen National Intervention Efforts

At a time when the civil society sector in the Western Balkan countries faces growing challenges, we are proud to announce the signing of six new grant agreements for National Intervention in Albania. This initiative reinforces our unwavering commitment to empowering civil society organizations (CSOs) throughout the region and promoting sustainable, impactful change.

Since the launch of the SMART Balkans project, we have supported 33 organizations in Albania, helping them advance their mission and create lasting impact in the communities they serve. The six newly awarded grants will further strengthen efforts in critical areas, including promoting transparency, countering disinformation, combating corruption, protecting human rights, and advocating for marginalized groups

Congratulations to the Newly Awarded Organizations

We are excited to partner with the following organizations and projects that will continue driving positive change across Albania:

TOGETHER FOR LIFE

This project aims to enhance the efficiency of Albania’s healthcare system by monitoring public fund management, raising awareness about corruption, and reducing abuses. By generating data on high-level corruption in the healthcare sector and raising community awareness about the impacts of corruption, the project will strengthen the healthcare system and ensure the delivery of quality services to all citizens.

CENTER FOR GENDER JUSTICE IN ALBANIA

The project will enhance the capacity of service providers to protect victims and effectively manage cases of digital violence. It will also work to raise awareness about the consequences of digital violence against women and girls, while advocating for stronger legislation and policies to safeguard online privacy and prevent such violence.

INSTITUTE OF ROMANI CULTURE IN ALBANIA

This initiative will fight high-level corruption within Albania’s Romani community by promoting a culture of accountability and reporting. The project will strengthen the community’s capacity to combat corruption, create anti-corruption clubs, and improve reporting mechanisms, particularly in the healthcare and education sectors.

ALBANIA SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATION (ASDO)

Focusing on data protection, this project will develop training materials for Data Protection Officers, ensuring compliance with Albanian laws and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). It will train public and private sector representatives and establish a network of trainers to ensure ongoing capacity building in data protection.

CENTRE FOR TRANSPARENCY AND FREEDOM OF INFORMATION (CTFI)

The CTFI project aims to develop a digital platform called the “blacklist page” to identify fake news, fact-check information, and report disinformation across a widely-read online news outlet. It will also focus on raising public awareness about the dangers of fake news through targeted media literacy education.

LIBERAL INSTITUTE OF TIRANA NASHKO (ILP)

The goal of this project is to enhance privacy and personal data security for vulnerable groups. It will build awareness and capacity to manage and safeguard sensitive information, fostering a culture of data security that aligns with both international and national standards to reduce the risk of abuse and misuse of personal data in marginalized communities.

We congratulate the newly awarded organizations and look forward to working together to drive positive and sustainable change in Albania. Through these projects, we aim to foster a robust civil society that holds governments accountable, strengthens democratic values, and ensures the well-being and protection of all citizens.

The SMARTBalkans project is dedicated to strengthening civil society organizations (CSOs) in the Western Balkans, with a particular focus on promoting transparency, fighting corruption, and empowering marginalized communities. By supporting local CSOs, the project aims to create sustainable impact and advance democratic processes in the region.

 

PASHKO

Liberal Institute of Tirana Pashko

Liberal Institute of Tirana Pashko (ILP) is officially registered on June 27, 2022, building on extensive experience in project development, stakeholder engagement, and media expertise, including personal data protection. The establishment of ILP responds to the need to integrate liberal concepts and structural reforms in a dynamic society. Evolving from more than 20 years of initiatives since 2002, ILP strengthens its identity as a dedicated think tank, reinforcing its liberal dimension in Tirana.

Summary of the project

The main goal of this project is to strengthen the protection of privacy and the security of personal data for vulnerable groups in Tirana, by raising awareness, skills, and capacities to manage and protect sensitive information. The project aims to contribute to the creation of a data security culture, aligned with international and national standards, reducing the risk of abuse and misuse of personal data in marginalized communities.

Project goals

  • Increase the capacity of 100 citizens in Tirana from vulnerable groups through practical training on data security standards and best practices, empowering them to protect and securely manage their personal data.
  • Develop and launch an online platform that will serve as a central resource for sharing educational materials on data protection, providing continuous access to guides, training, and informative resources for citizens and interested communities.
  • Establish a sustainable partnership with 5 public institutions to strengthen legal and regulatory mechanisms for personal data protection, contributing to their alignment with national and international data security standards.
Target groups and beneficiaries
100 Targeted Citizens from vulnerable Groups,

Community and Civil Society

Public Institutions

 

Main activities:

Opening Conference “Strengthening Privacy and Data Security for Vulnerable Groups in Tirana.”
Organization of at least 5 practical training sessions for citizens
Creation and development of the Online Platform for education on personal data protection
Informational and Awareness Campaign
Establishment of partnerships with public institutions
Establishment of an inter-institutional and civil network to ensure personal data security.
Organization of the Closing Conference “Strengthening Privacy and Data Security for Vulnerable Groups in Tirana.”

CGJA

Center for Gender Justice in Albania (CGJA)

This project aims to protect women and girls from digital abuse and privacy violations while enhancing the capacity of service providers to effectively manage digital harassment cases. It also seeks to raise awareness about the consequences of digital violence, emphasize the importance of online privacy, and advocate for stronger legislation and policies to safeguard women and girls from online abuse. Currently, Albania lacks adequate legislation and effective technological tools to protect online data. The Gender Justice Center will focus on improving the ability of service providers to handle digital violence cases, raising awareness about online data protection, and advocating for better laws and policies.

Project Goals:

  • Strengthen the capacity of service providers to protect victims and effectively manage cases of digital violence.
  • Raise awareness and educate youth and the community about the consequences of digital violence against women and girls, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding online privacy.
  • Advocate for improved legislation and policies to better protect women and girls from violations of online privacy and digital violence.

Target groups and beneficiaries

  • Employees of member institutions of the Coordinated Referral Mechanisms at the local level
  • Women and girls, victims of digital violence.
  • Youth aged 15-18
  • The community as a whole

Main activities:

  • 12 training sessions with members of the Coordinated Referral Mechanisms (MKR)
  • Informational sessions with youth
  • Advocacy initiatives- The organization will advocate for the inclusion of measures in the Penal Code to protect data in the digital space and victims of digital violence.
  • An informative and awareness-raising video titled “Protecting Online Privacy” will be produced.
  • Infographics with the project results
TFL

Together for Life

Summary of the project:

This project aims to contribute to the creation of an efficient healthcare system for Albanian citizens and reduce corruption in the management of public funds in the healthcare sector. The proposed project is fully aligned with the 2024-2030 Intersectoral Anti-Corruption Strategy, specifically with the third policy objective: Raising awareness and education against corruption. Its first activity will collect data on corruption in the healthcare sector and its impact on public health, providing a basis for further interventions. The inclusion of civil society and media will increase attention and promote accountability, while a public awareness campaign will educate citizens on the consequences of corruption and encourage them to defend their healthcare rights.

 

Project goal(s): The goal of the proposed project is to contribute to the creation of a fair and efficient healthcare system in Albania by improving the management of public funds in the healthcare sector, raising awareness about corruption, and reducing abuses in fund management to strengthen the healthcare system and ensure quality healthcare services for Albanian citizens.

 

Who will benefit from the project?

The Ministry of Health and Social Protection,

public institutions providing healthcare services

Community

 

Main activities:

Comprehensive analysis of high-level corruption cases in the healthcare sector.
Publication of a summary of the analysis.
A Roundtable to share the findings of the comprehensive analysis.
Public awareness campaign on the impact of corruption.
Preparation and distribution of informational materials for social media

IRCA

Institute of Romani Culture in Albania

Institute of Romani Culture in Albania (IRCA) was officially established in July 2011 by a group of highly educated Roma as a non-for-profit Roma youth organization. IRCA enables the equal and sustainable development of Roma community through advocacy, mobilization, empowerment, cooperation, as well as equal participation in democratic processes, equal access into the rights and services and the promotion of the Roma Culture and identity.

Short project description

This project aims to contribute to the fight against corruption in Albania, focusing on high-level corruption, by promoting a culture of accountability and reporting within the Romani community, civil society, media, and public administration. It seeks to empower these groups with the tools and training necessary to identify and report corruption, while also enhancing transparency and accountability within public institutions, with a special emphasis on education and healthcare. Aligned with national anti-corruption strategies and the SMART Balkans initiative, this proposal specifically addresses the challenges faced by the Romani community in these sectors. In Albania, corruption remains a significant barrier to progress, especially for marginalized groups like the Romani community.

Project goal: The goal of the project is to strengthen the capacity of the Romani community to combat corruption, establish anti-corruption clubs, and increase corruption reporting within the healthcare and education sectors.

Target groups and beneficiaries

The Romani community in the target areas and nationally;

Public sector employees, particularly in education and healthcare, at both local and central levels;

Youth and students;

Civil society and the media;

Main activities:

Training Academy: A 4-day intensive training program for 70 representatives from the Romani community and public institutions will focus on raising awareness about corruption, teaching reporting mechanisms, and building capacity to identify and report corruption cases.

Romani Community Meetings: Seminars in Tirana, Elbasan, Durrës, and Gjirokastër will engage at least 150 Romani community members in discussions on corruption in education and healthcare sectors, school roles in prevention, and public service transparency.

Anti-Corruption Clubs: Anti-Corruption Clubs will be established in 8 schools and healthcare institutions to promote transparency and combat corruption through debates and awareness campaigns.

Media Awareness Campaign: A media campaign will increase public awareness of corruption and the importance of reporting it, using various media tools to reach the target audience

ASDO

Albania Sustainable Development Organization – ASDO

Albania Sustainable Development Organization (ASDO) aims to contribute to sustainable development through innovation, education, and institutional capacity-building. The organization focuses on strengthening privacy and cybersecurity policies in Albania by offering training for Data Protection Officers (DPOs), assisting institutions in compliance with GDPR, and supporting public institutions and businesses in implementing data protection regulations.

Short project description

The main goal of this project is to improve security and stability in Albania, with a focus on personal data protection. As Albania works to align its legislation with the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), companies and public institutions will be required to appoint Data Protection Officers (DPOs). This new obligation has created an urgent need to train personnel for these roles, ensuring they are prepared to oversee and implement data protection policies in line with national and EU regulations. The project will build the capacity of DPOs in both the public and private sectors and institutionalize data protection training in Albania to ensure long-term sustainability.

Project goal(s): The main goal of the project is to enhance security and stability in Albania, with a specific focus on personal data protection, by building the capacity of Data Protection Officers

Who will benefit from the project?

The ultimate beneficiaries will be Albanian citizens, who will benefit from stronger protection of their personal data, as well as companies and institutions that will comply with the legislation, avoiding fines and legal penalties.

Main activities

The development of training materials for Data Protection Officers will involve analyzing Albanian and European legislation

Key recommendations for creating an updated and sustainable curriculum for Data Protection Officers training in the country.

Training of Trainers (ToT) will be conducted for 25 participants from public and state entities.

Sustainability of the Module: By promoting the training curriculum to state institutions and private companies, the goal is for this curriculum to become an integral part of their operational processes.

A Final Report will be prepared on the progress of the project, the recommendations made, and the developed curriculum.

Development and Implementation of Communication and Promotion Strategy

Transparence.al

CENTRE FOR TRANSPARENCY AND FREEDOM OF INFORMATION

Summary of the project

The project aims to combat fake news by reducing its spread and impact, providing the media and the public with reliable tools to identify and counter disinformation and misinformation. The goal is to foster a healthier and more trustworthy media environment by improving the quality of information circulating on both traditional and digital platforms. The project’s impact will be reflected in increased public awareness of how to identify fake news, greater trust in the media through the publication of clarified information, and the exposure of false news, ultimately establishing the media as a reliable source of information. Additionally, a regulatory and responsive framework will be created to minimize the influence of fake news. This project will contribute to enhanced transparency, strengthened fact-checking processes, and the development of a more informed community resilient to disinformation.

Project goals:

The project aims to create a digital platform, titled ‘blacklist page,’ for identifying fake news, fact-checking, and reporting disinformation within a popular online news outlet. Increasing Public Awareness on Fake News: The project aims to raise public awareness about fake news through media literacy education.

Who will benefit from the project?

The beneficiaries of the project include citizens, media outlets, journalists, political parties, and other institutions involved in election-related matters, social cohesion, and security.

Main activities

The creation of the ‘Black Page’ subpage, which will be an integral part of a verified portal for sustainability, with professional publications and a wide audience on social media and the internet.

Human and AI-based monitoring of fake news on online media, traditional media, and social media.

Publishing and explaining fake news on the ‘Black Page’. Fake news will be published and explained, highlighting why they are false and how they can be prevented from circulating or made harmless.

Publishing simple, clear guides on how the public can identify fake news, the risks they pose, how they function, and how they influence decision-making.

A promotional campaign for the online media, the subpage as a whole, and its informative and explanatory products on social media

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Public Procurement Issues: Findings from the Analysis of Eleven Tenders at Central and Local Levels

Democracy Plus (D+), a Core Grant beneficiary of the SMART Balkans project in Kosovo, has published a comprehensive report titled “Public Procurement Issues: Findings from the Analysis of Eleven Tenders at Central and Local Levels”. This report highlights significant shortcomings and legal violations within Kosovo’s public procurement system.

Analyzing tenders conducted between July and December 2024, with a total estimated value of €8.5 million, the report focuses on the practices of both central and local authorities. The findings raise serious concerns regarding transparency, fairness, and efficiency in the use of public funds.

What Does the Report Reveal?

The report examines procurement procedures from various institutions, including the Ministry of Industry, Entrepreneurship, and Trade (MIET), the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA), the Ministry of Infrastructure (MI), and municipalities such as Gjakovë, Gjilan, and Pejë. The main findings identify several recurring issues:

  • Conflict of Interest: In the Ministry of Industry, Entrepreneurship, and Trade, staff responsible for drafting technical specifications for tenders were also involved in evaluating bids, violating legal provisions designed to ensure impartiality. Furthermore, tenders were awarded to operators offering bids up to 70% lower than the estimated contract value, raising concerns about the quality and feasibility of contract execution.
  • Unlawful Cancellations: The Ministry of Infrastructure canceled tenders without valid legal justification, undermining transparency and fair competition among economic operators.
  • Non-compliance with Procurement Review Body Decisions: The Ministry of Internal Affairs disregarded binding decisions from the Procurement Review Body, applying unfair and discriminatory criteria that delayed the provision of essential services.
  • Mismanagement at the Local Level: The Municipality of Gjakovë canceled the same procurement procedure multiple times without legal justification, causing delays in implementing public infrastructure projects.
  • Lack of Clear Technical Criteria: The Municipality of Gjilan failed to establish clear technical standards for a school uniform tender, leading to subjective evaluations that favored higher-cost providers.
  • Violation of Fair Competition Principles: In Pejë, economic operators were excluded from the bidding process based on unresolved disqualification requests, contrary to the principle of equal treatment in public procurement.

 

Why Are These Findings Important?

The report highlights the risks posed by these irregularities, including:

  • Reduction of fair competition,
  • The potential favoritism of specific operators,
  • Mismanagement of public funds,
  • Erosion of public trust in government institutions.

These practices undermine the principles of good governance and hinder Kosovo’s progress toward meeting European Union standards.

Key Recommendations from the Report

To address these challenges, Democracy Plus recommends:

  • Strict enforcement of public procurement laws and the prevention of conflicts of interest.
  • Application of clear and transparent criteria throughout the tendering process.
  • Immediate implementation of binding PRB decisions.
  • Strengthening oversight and monitoring mechanisms to enhance accountability and transparency.

This report underscores the urgent need for reforms in Kosovo’s public procurement system. Implementing clear rules and strengthening control mechanisms are essential for ensuring the responsible and efficient use of public funds.

For more information, read the report in English.

Anita Selita - digiadvance-open data kosovo

DigiAdvance Kosova – Transforming Governance through Digital Solutions

Over 15 months, the “DigiAdvance Kosova – Promoting Digital Transformation at the Local Level” project brought a wave of change across seven municipalities in Kosovo, illuminating the path toward a more efficient administration, an engaged society, and a community increasingly aware of technological opportunities. Implemented by Open Data Kosovo, supported by SMART Balkans, and funded by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this project challenged the status quo and laid the groundwork for a more digitally integrated future.

From Prishtina to Rahovec, from Peja to Gjilan, the municipalities involved in this initiative committed to accelerating their digital transformation. It was a journey filled with challenges but also brimming with energy, as citizens, institutions, and civil society joined forces to forge a new approach to governance and public services. Training sessions for municipal officials, “Talk Digital” meetings with civil society organizations, and analyses of digital services in universities created a dynamic platform for idea exchange and identifying the most pressing needs.

In each municipality, digital transformation took a unique shape. Prishtina advanced in education digitalization and reducing bureaucratic hurdles in administration. Gjakova developed new mechanisms for transparency and online services, while Gjilan, despite facing challenges, initiated critical processes such as the digitization of municipal archives and agricultural databases. Prizren launched platforms for public participation and innovation, whereas Ferizaj focused on strengthening digital infrastructure for artisanal businesses. Rahovec aimed to raise public awareness about the benefits of digital technology, while Peja worked on improving access to public services through digital tools.

This project was not merely a technical effort to bring technology closer to institutions—it was a fundamental attempt to reshape governance, communication, and interaction within society. It introduced a fresh perspective, proving that digitalization is not just a luxury but a necessity for improving everyday life.

For students like Anita Selita from the American University of Kosovo, this project offered a new lens through which to understand digital transformation on a practical level. For her, participating in the project’s activities was an opportunity to closely observe both the challenges and possible solutions, deepening her understanding of what must be done to achieve sustainable change.

“As a student, I had long recognized Kosovo’s urgent need for digital advancement. So, when I first heard about this project, I thought it was exactly what our country needed at this stage of transformation. My participation in all the project’s activities, thanks to the opportunity provided by Open Data Kosovo, helped me gain a deeper insight into the challenges hindering digitalization and the concrete steps required to bring about sustainable change. Thank you, SMART Balkans, for your continued support in strengthening digital transformation in Kosovo!”

The outcomes of this project are not only measurable in figures but also in the profound impact it has had on citizens, institutions, and civil society. It established a new model of digital governance, a platform for collaboration, and a roadmap for the future. For Kosovo, this is merely the starting point of a new era of open governance and improved public services, where technology is leveraged to serve the people and their needs.

 

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Democracy for Development (D4D)

Short project description:

 D4D has identified two challenges/problems it seeks to address with this project: (a) the low level of dialogue between civil society and public authorities, which is expected to become more difficult with e-governance and digitalization, and (b) directly related to the issue of inadequate public transport (cost and frequency of routes) between villages and cities, which has resulted in unemployment in rural areas and a lack of quality of life, driving residents to migrate to cities.

Some of the key social challenges affecting women and rural communities include: the lack of preschool care, the absence of additional activities (language courses, sports), finding employment in rural areas, and the inability to access adequate transport to urban areas where sufficient job opportunities exist. These issues lead to consequences such as unemployment, migration, social empowerment, and inadequate education.

Project goal(s): The policy-making and decision-making process will become more participatory through dialogue between civil society (women’s groups) and public authorities, resulting in a decision (e.g., subsidizing public transport between rural and urban areas as a means) to reduce unemployment and inactivity rates in the labour market, and consequently improve the quality of life in rural areas.

Specific objective(s) Raising awareness about the causes of the situation and providing coaching to enhance the sense of group power and activism.

Women with an interest in the economy and employment engage with various stakeholders (including public authorities) on priority issues.

Collaboration creates a sustainable mechanism and habit for dialogue on public policies with public authorities.

Target groups and beneficiaries: 

Rural areas where unemployed women and men can find work in the city.

Main activities:

  • Mobilization of activists and formation of an advocacy group around the topic
  • Coaching trainings for research skills, public policy analysis, media presentation, public speaking, advocacy, ways of discussion, and moderation
  • Infographics and short videos for advocacy and public awareness
  • Stakeholder meetings and formation of a discussion/work group in collaboration with public authorities
  • Discussion paper on 3-5 ways to address the problem
  • Monitoring implementation by the decision-making level
  • Drawing lessons and presenting findings in a regional roundtable for replication in other places