Rural Albania on the path towards the European Union through partnerships, reforms and territorial cohesion
The Albanian Network for Rural Development is pleased to publish the Joint Declaration of the 4th Albanian Rural Parliament, the final outcome of the dialogue and co-creation process carried out during the 4th Albanian Rural Parliament, held on 25-27 March 2026 in the municipalities of Mirdita and Lezha.
The Declaration represents the collective voice of nearly 300 participants – farmers and producers, civil society organisations, Local Action Groups, local authorities, public institutions, academia, businesses and development partners – who came together to identify the key priorities and recommendations for Albania’s sustainable rural development in the context of the country’s European Union accession process.
The document builds on the discussions and recommendations emerging from the seven Rural Talks, covering inclusive rural development and the LEADER/CLLD approach, sustainable agriculture and the green transition, the empowerment of rural women, knowledge, innovation and digitalisation, sustainable rural economies and short value chains, family farming, and the heritage of transhumance.
Through its key messages, strategic recommendations and 10 National Priorities for Action (2026-2030), the Declaration seeks to contribute to policy dialogue, public policy development and the implementation of reforms that will support a more competitive, inclusive and sustainable rural Albania on its path towards European Union.