“We believe that solid and properly resourced local authorities are the foundation of democratic stability. Seeing central and local authorities side by side at this event shows a shared determination to strengthen local democracy and keep a real, structured dialogue going between all levels of government,” underlined Congress Director Claudia Luciani at the opening of the high-level event "Municipalities, multilevel governance and the European Charter of Local Self-Government", in Pristina on 8 October 2026.
Jointly organised by the Centre of Expertise for Multilevel Governance at the Congress and the Council of Europe Office in Pristina, the event served to present a comprehensive report on the implementation of the principles of the European Charter of Local Self-Government in Kosovo*. It brought together central and local authorities to identify shared priorities for future legal reforms and technical co-operation.
“A stronger local self-governance ensures stronger institutions, a more sustainable democracy and better services for the citizens,” stated Minister of Local Government Administration Elbert Krasniqi, also speaking in the opening session. For his part, President of the Association of Kosovo Municipalities (AKM) Agim Aliu emphasised that “strong central government and strong municipalities serve the same citizens. The more clearly responsibilities are divided and the more fairly resources are provided, the better services will be in every town and village in Kosovo”.
“Please see this report not as a final verdict but as a stepping stone, an invitation to continue the conversation and keep moving forward together, renewing local self-government and building trust between institutions and citizens,” concluded Ms Luciani.
During her visit, the Congress Director held bilateral meetings with Minister Krasniqi and AKM President Aliu, as well as Mayor of Pristina Përparim Rama, others mayors and representatives of international organisations.
“Report on the implementation of the principles of the European Charter of Local Self-Government in Kosovo*”:
English: https://rm.coe.int/48802e37b9
Albanian: https://rm.coe.int/48802e37be
Serbian: https://rm.coe.int/48802e37bf
* All reference to Kosovo, whether the territory, institutions or population, in this text shall be understood in full compliance with United Nations' Security Council Resolution 1244 and without prejudice to the status of Kosovo.
