Albania

Between 2008 and 2010, the Civil Society Index was implemented in Albania by the Institute for Democracy and Mediation, with the international coordination of CIVICUS. This implementation led to the publication of an analytical country report, presenting the results of the CSI initiative in the country, and a policy action brief, drawing an action plan for future improvements.

Civil Society Index for Albania: In Search of Citizens and Impact

The Albanian Civil Society Index Diamond revealed that the Albanian third sector is moderately developed. It operates in a generally enabling environment and at a relatively developed organisational level that appears supportive to the general practice of values within the sector. Its major deficiencies consist of the low degree of civic engagement and also the limited impact.

The CSI report from Albania was used to put together a Policy Action Brief which draws on the recommendations from both the Country Report as well as the CSI national workshop, where working groups on each of the CSI Diamond dimensions presented their agenda for change.

Some of the main recommendations from the Policy Brief, which is addressed to Albanian civil society, government, as well as international donors, are the following:

  • In order to increase citizen engagement and participation in civil society activities, the Policy Brief recommends that CSOs must rely on and engage citizens as stakeholders more actively rather than perceiving citizens only as beneficiaries.
  • CSO accountability and good governance continues to be one of the main challenges of Albanian CSOs. It is thus recommended that the state put in place improved legislation to give CSOs incentives to be more accountable for their actions. Further, a donor coordination forum is suggested in order to overcome some of the concerns and challenges.
  • In order to improve CSOs’ impact on policies and other processes in society, the Policy Brief recommends, amongst other, a long-term strategy to be put in place to improve CSO, state and interest-group relations. Also, actions to improve civil society’s public image need to be implemented.

CSI Country Reports in Albania