Since 2017, the ReLOaD Programme has played a vital role in improving cooperation between governments and civil society organizations across the Western Balkans, ensuring that citizens have a stronger voice in decision-making processes. Building on the achievements of its first two phases (2017–2020 and 2021–2024), ReLOaD3 continues this mission by addressing challenges local governments and CSOs face, such as a lack of strategic planning, limited resources, and insufficient transparency. In Albania, ReLOaD3 aims to create a systematic policy approach that empowers CSOs, strengthens local institutions, and fosters greater civic participation. By introducing transparent funding mechanisms, enhancing the capacities of municipalities and CSOs, and supporting initiatives for vulnerable groups, the Programme contributes to advancing governance reforms and supports Albania’s EU integration path.

ReLOaD3 Expected Results:

• An enabling policy environment and stakeholder network are established to facilitate the vertical and horizontal scaling up of transparent funding disbursement mechanisms and more systemic support to CSOs at local and higher levels of government.
• Capacities of local governments and CSOs for effective dialogue and implementation of local grant schemes and delivery of municipal services, are enhanced.
• Local authorities, civil society, and citizens, with a focus on youth and women are supported to spur greater civic engagement in local policy design, delivery and monitoring.
• Stronger partnerships among authorities and civil society and increased civil oversight of public policies across the Western Balkans, through regional networking and the introduction of digital tools are enhanced.