Sali: Specialized expertise and institutional responsibility are key to accelerating reforms

The Training Center of the Ministry of European Affairs hosted today a presentation of the Strategic Priorities Expertise Facility (PREF), a mechanism proposed by the United Nations to provide the institutions responsible with rapid, targeted support through expertise in implementing reforms.

Opening the meeting, the First Deputy Prime Minister of the Government and Minister of European Affairs, Bekim Sali, expressed his appreciation for the ongoing partnership with the United Nations. He said that PREF comes at an important moment, when institutions are working simultaneously on implementing and planning reforms that must produce tangible and measurable results.

Sali emphasized that the manner and quality of implementation of the obligations arising from the Reform Agenda will affect both the pace of progress under the Reform and Growth Facility and the credibility of the European integration process. According to him, every reform must be pursued with seriousness, professional responsibility and a clear focus on results.

Through PREF, institutions will have the opportunity to quickly and systematically access pre-vetted national and international experts. Once a request is approved, the necessary expertise can be sourced within ten working days, providing support for drafting complex legislation, conducting impact assessments, preparing road maps and strategies, as well as strengthening institutional capacities.

Minister Sali stressed that engaging external experts does not remove responsibility from domestic institutions. He explained that experts can provide knowledge, analysis and technical solutions, while setting priorities, steering the process and ultimately implementing the results remain the responsibility and ownership of the institutions.

Institutions were encouraged to carefully analyze the measures of the Reform Agenda under their responsibility and identify the sectors where specialized assistance could accelerate the work, overcome technical difficulties and help meet the agreed deadlines.

The Ministry of European Affairs will continue to support the institutions and coordinate cooperation with the United Nations throughout this process.

In closing, Sali said that the success of the Reform Agenda should not be assessed by the number of plans approved or meetings held, but by the timely completion of reforms, better-functioning institutions, concrete improvements for citizens and businesses, and the country’s progress toward full membership in the European Union.