06 Aug Local Conference on Extractive Industry Transparency
Today, on July 30th, a local conference was held on the topic “The EITI Initiative in Albania and its Role in Extractive Industry Transparency”, organized by the EITI Albania in cooperation with the Prefecture of Elbasan.
In his opening remarks, the General Director of the EITI Secretariat, Mr. Genci Tërpo, emphasized that transparency in the extractive sector is not a luxury but a necessity for good governance, regional development, and public trust. He stressed the essential role of local institutions in implementing the 2023 EITI Standard and highlighted the value of accessible, verifiable, and public data on licenses, fiscal flows, contracts, and social-environmental impacts.
Representing local authorities, the Prefect of Elbasan, Mr. Ilir Bejtja , delivered a key address. He underlined that Elbasan is a region with significant extractive activity, and that the data produced and disclosed by EITI Albania carry strategic importance for transparency, public accountability, and improving the investment climate. The Prefect emphasized that EITI data are official, certified, and reliable, serving as a vital source for citizens, media, institutions, and investors. According to him, this contributes to better-informed decision-making and strengthens institutional credibility at both local and national levels.
The conference continued with a focused presentation by Mr. Përparim Alikaj from the Regional Innovation Center EIT Raw Materials, who provided an insightful overview of the EITI’s principles, objectives, and the initiative’s relevance to Albania’s governance and European integration agenda.
Ms. Emiliana Kola from the EITI Secretariat presented the practical implementation of the 2023 EITI Standard in Albania. She elaborated on the reporting processes, the engagement of stakeholders, and the ongoing efforts to improve data quality, contractual transparency, and oversight of the natural resource sector.
A key contribution came from Mr. Elton Hysko, an independent legal and energy expert, who addressed the topic of energy transition and renewable energy. He highlighted the direct connection between transparency, sustainable energy policy, and long-term economic development. He stressed that a successful energy transition depends on clear and traceable data, transparent decision-making, and public access to environmental and financial information.
The conference concluded with an open discussion and reflections from participants representing local institutions, extractive companies, civil society, and community stakeholders, all of whom recognized the importance of institutional dialogue and continuous collaboration.
We extend special thanks to Mr. Ilir Bejtja for his hospitality and institutional commitment, and to all participants for their active engagement. Transparency requires collective effort — and EITI offers a concrete mechanism to make that effort meaningful and effective.
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