Kick-Off of the EFFORT Project: A Step Toward Sustainable Development and Energy Efficiency
The Kick-Off event for the EFFORT – “Enhancing Facilities for a Future with an Optimal Resource and Energy Efficiency Trajectory” project took place at the Info Kulla in Rubik, Municipality of Mirditë. This project, funded by the European Union through the Cross-border Albania-Kosovo Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA II) program, is being implemented by the Municipality of Mirditë, the Municipality of Junik, and Co-PLAN, the Institute for Habitat Development.
EFFORT aims to improve energy efficiency in public buildings in the Municipality of Mirditë and the Municipality of Junik, significantly reducing energy consumption. This will be achieved through the installation of innovative equipment and the promotion of sustainable building management practices. The project includes the installation of solar panels in 10 public buildings across both municipalities, contributing to the development of a more sustainable infrastructure and the promotion of renewable energy.
The opening ceremony featured welcoming speeches from representatives of the Municipality of Mirditë, the Municipality of Junik, and the Delegation of the European Union in Albania. The Mayor of the Municipality of Mirditë, Mr. Albert Mëlyshi, emphasized the importance of this project for the citizens and the region, highlighting the opportunities that will be created for developing a sustainable infrastructure and integrating renewable energy sources. He also stressed the significance of collaboration with energy authorities to achieve the project’s objectives and ensure a lasting impact at the local level.
Other representatives, including Mr. Besart Tofaj, Vice Mayor of the Municipality of Junik, and Ms. Anila Bejko, Executive Director of Co-PLAN, Institute for Habitat Development, presented their roles in the project, emphasizing the benefits that the improvement of living conditions and the sustainable development of the community will bring through investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency.
Representatives of the European Union Delegation to Albania, Mr. Jean-Noel Gangloff and Ms. Carla Folgoa, highlighted the EU’s support for the project and the opportunities it offers to improve energy infrastructure in the region.
Project Manager, Mr. Elvis Ndreka, concluded the presentation session by providing details about the activities and benefits the project will bring, focusing on investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency in public buildings. He emphasized the importance of close collaboration with other institutions to successfully achieve the project’s objectives and ensure its success.
The meeting was attended by a wide range of central and local institutions from both Albania and Kosovo, as well as representatives from the energy, environment, and education sectors, who expressed their support for the successful implementation of this important project. The discussions focused on technical, legal, and institutional support for the project’s implementation, while participants discussed the importance of engaging local and international actors to ensure the successful completion of the project and maximize its economic and environmental benefits.
Following the discussions, a site visit was organized to introduce the region of Mirditë, starting from Info Kulla, where the tourist and cultural landmarks of the area were presented. The visit continued with a stop at the Old Savior’s Church, also known as the Church of Rubik, an important cultural heritage site with significant historical and spiritual value for the local community.
The EFFORT project is implemented by the Municipality of Mirditë, the Municipality of Junik and Co-PLAN, Institute for Habitat Development, and is funded by the European Union through the IPA Cross-Border Albania-Kosovo program.