“B40 Balkan Cities Network held Face-to-Face meetings for its Local Economic and Cultural Cooperation, and Local Democracy and Migration Working Groups in Tirana from October 30 to November 1, 2024.

The meetings opened with speeches from B40 President Mr. Erion Veliaj, B40 Permanent Secretary Mr. Barbaros Büyüksağnak, and Tirana Municipality Working Groups Coordinator Mr. Genci Kodjheli. Following the opening remarks, representatives from the two working groups convened for discussions.

In the Local Economic and Cultural Cooperation Working Group, representatives from Tirana, Istanbul, Izmir, Muğla, Durres, Niksic, Tuzi, and Split presented key topics and discussed the challenges in economic and cultural cooperation. Members agreed on sharing event calendars to promote broader participation in cultural and economic collaboration activities across B40 cities. The group also discussed the upcoming Balkan Culture Festival, set to take place in Tirana in December 2024.

In the Local Democracy and Migration Working Group, participants from Tirana, Istanbul, Izmir, Muğla, Durres, Niksic, Tuzi, and Split highlighted the challenges local governments face in handling migration. The group also discussed ways to strengthen local democracy, including steps to engage citizens more effectively in decision-making. Emphasis was placed on involving both migrants and local communities in urban policy planning, with the aim of fostering social cohesion and better meeting public needs. A proposal was also made to create a temporary staff exchange program among B40 cities, inspired by the Erasmus model.

The working group meetings concluded with social programs hosted by the Tirana Municipality.”