As Albania advances in its EU integration path, strengthening public financial management (PFM) remains a key government priority. On 6 May 2026, the conference titled “Towards more effective public spending: EU-aligned reforms in Public Investment Management and Spending Reviews” was held in Tirana under the EU-funded #EU4GoodGovernance (EU4GG) initiative, in close cooperation with the Delegation of the European Union to Albania and the Ministry of Finance.
The event brought together a wide range of national and international stakeholders, including representatives from the European Commission (DG ECFIN), OECD, SIGMA, government institutions, Parliament, independent institutions, academia, civil society, and development partners, and provided a platform to exchange experiences and identify priorities for strengthening budget management systems in line with EU standards.
Keynote speakers, including EU Head of Cooperation Ritva Heikkinen, Chair of the Parliamentary Committee for Economy and Finance Milva Ekonomi, and Director General of the State Budget at the Ministry of Finance Mimoza Dhembi, shared key perspectives on advancing PFM reforms in Albania.
The conference focused on two critical reform areas: improving the effectiveness of public investment management and advancing the use of spending reviews to ensure better value for money in public expenditure.
The first panel explored ways to improve the effectiveness of public investment spending, with discussions on reinforcing the Ministry of Finance’s “gatekeeper” role, strengthening the link between strategic planning and investments, and enhancing parliamentary oversight. International experts shared EU good practices and practical lessons relevant to Albania.
The second panel examined how spending reviews can better support policy decisions. Discussions highlighted the importance of moving from methodology to implementation, identifying realistic savings opportunities, and ensuring that analytical findings translate into concrete reforms. The role of line ministries and civil society in promoting accountability and improving service delivery was also emphasised.
By fostering dialogue and sharing practical experience, the event contributed to advancing a more effective, transparent, and results-oriented public finance system in Albania—supporting the country’s EU integration ambitions. The conference marked an important milestone in shaping Albania’s next PFM reform agenda for 2027–2030.
The #EU4GoodGovernance (EU4GG) project will continue to support Albania in strengthening public financial management systems, contributing to more effective, transparent, and EU-aligned public spending.
Read more:
https://eu4goodgovernance.eu/pfm-high-level-conference/
#EU4GG #EU4GoodGovernance #GoodGovernance #EUIntegration #SIGMA
European Union Delegation to Albania
