Info-Session: Progress on the Fundamentals – Civil Society Evaluates the Reforms, 23 May 2025

At the latest info session, organized by the European Movement in Albania on May 23, 2025, in Tirana, a meeting was held with representatives of civil society, public institutions, and academia. During the meeting, participants presented the results of assignments completed as part of the Integrated MEL Modules, implemented across three editions from November 2024 to May 2025. The main objective was to strengthen capacities for monitoring and evaluating public institutions, with the aim of increasing accountability and fostering cooperation with civil society and the wider public, in the framework of rule of law policies.

Nirvana Deliu, Project Director at the European Movement in Albania, stated in her opening remarks that the implementation of the Integrated MEL Modules represented a new and innovative initiative, which proved to be successful. This was demonstrated by the high level of interest in participation, showing that civil society – and beyond – has a clear need for such training and capacity-building activities in the field of Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL). Deliu further emphasized that the effectiveness of the program is also reflected in the fact that 90% of participants across all three editions were awarded Certificates of Successful Participation. This certification reflects their full attendance in the modules, active engagement during discussions and group work, and successful completion of the final assignment. More than 130 applications were received to join these modules, from which around 45 participants were selected – including representatives of civil society, university lecturers and researchers, professionals from various fields, and public administration officials. Finally, Deliu noted that in this critical phase for the country – that of EU accession negotiations – monitoring and evaluation of the policy design and implementation process within the integration framework becomes all the more necessary.

Mimoza Agolli, MEL expert, evaluated the training as successful in terms of informing participants about the monitoring and evaluation of policy implementation. She emphasized that the level of understanding regarding the MEL implementation methodology was moderate, highlighting the need for more in-depth reading of relevant literature and practical application. Among her recommendations for further deepening of knowledge were: the use of online platforms with literature and practical examples, to be published on EMA’s official website in a dedicated MEL section; and participation in more advanced and practice-oriented MEL trainings, planned for the upcoming months. These trainings will be more specialized, focusing on empirical methods for data processing and analysis.

Following this, participants from all three editions of the Modules presented some of their completed projects, which address the monitoring and evaluation of policies in the field of rule of law.

Dorisjana Hasani presented the project titled “Empowering and consolidating the governance bodies of the justice system in line with European standards.” She explained that the group had analyzed one of the objectives of the Justice Strategy, which relates to improving the human, infrastructural, and procedural capacities of key governance institutions in justice — such as the High Judicial Council (HJC), the High Prosecutorial Council (HPC), and the High Justice Inspector (HJI) — in order to ensure independent and efficient functioning in line with international standards. The focus was placed on challenges related to the lack of independence and efficiency, stemming from insufficient resources and non-transparent procedures. Hasani concluded by presenting a detailed monitoring and evaluation plan for this objective.

Elsa Dragoti was the next speaker, whose presentation was focused on “Cross-Sectoral Anti-Corruption Strategy 2024–2030,” focusing on the objective related to punishing corruption. She identified challenges such as delays in judicial processes due to lack of resources and overburdened courts. Dragoti presented a Monitoring and Evaluation plan based on guiding questions and specific indicators, and concluded with several recommendations to improve the fight against corruption, including enhanced inter-institutional cooperation, judicial efficiency, and transparency.

Irena Topalli was focused on “MEL Framework for the Role of Civil Society in the Roadmap for Democratic Institutions”, focusing on Objective 3: strengthening the participation of CSOs in policymaking and dialogue. She addressed the process of revising the Law on Volunteering (Law No. 45/2016), which is considered non-functional and a barrier to civic engagement and CSO involvement. At the core of her presentation was the methodological approach for the effective inclusion of stakeholders and key indicators, such as the increase in volunteerism programs initiated by CSOs.

Haxhire Vezi represented the group that analyzed and monitored the topic “Reducing the skills mismatch across professions – an analysis of challenges and the legal framework in Albania.” She emphasized the strategic importance of skills development and alignment with labor market demands, highlighting obstacles related to mismatched skills in employment and their impact on productivity. Vezi raised key questions to deepen the analysis: “Are current policies reducing the skills mismatch?” and “Is cooperation with the business sector effective?”

Lorena Zajmi presented the project “The human capital component in the EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans and its transformation through digital skills development.” She began with an overview of the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans and analyzed the process of drafting Reform Agendas for each country in the region, highlighting the priorities related to human capital development. The selected objective for monitoring and evaluation was the development of human capital through technological skills, with two main measures: 1. training teachers in digital skills, and 2.equipping schools with Smart Labs and ICT tools. Zajmi presented the expected outcomes and the monitoring and evaluation plan covering elements such as curricula, digital infrastructure, digital competencies, quality in higher education institutions, and the development of digital platforms.

At the conclusion of the presentations and discussions on the topics addressed, a certification ceremony was held for the participants of the 3rd Edition of the Integrated MEL Modules for Public Policies in the context of the Rule of Law.