Local Energy Action Plans Approved in Mirditë and Junik, Developed with the Support of the “EFFORT” Project
The Local Energy Efficiency Action Plan of the Municipality of Mirditë has been officially approved, marking a key milestone in the implementation of the “EFFORT” project. This approval follows the finalization and adoption of the Municipal Energy and Climate Action Plan in the Municipality of Junik (Kosova) in July 2025, thus successfully concluding an important phase of the EFFORT project.
This project aims to promote sustainable practices in the use of renewable energy resources in Mirditë and Junik, reduce energy consumption, improve energy management in buildings, and support energy-efficient building renovations.
The EFFORT project is implemented in partnership between the Municipality of Mirditë, the Municipality of Junik, and Co-PLAN, Institute for Habitat Development, with the goal of strengthening local government capacities in planning and implementing concrete measures for clean energy and climate change adaptation.
Municipality of Mirditë – Approval of the Local Energy Efficiency Action Plan
The Municipality of Mirditë finalized the development of its Local Energy Efficiency Action Plan, which was officially approved on September 30, 2025, by the Mirditë Municipal Council. The plan was prepared in accordance with Law No. 124/2015 “On Energy Efficiency”, and Ministerial Order No. 206, dated 25.10.2022, which sets the standard format for local self-government units.
The drafting process was supported by experts from the EFFORT project and Co-PLAN, in collaboration with the technical directorates of the Municipality of Mirditë, the Energy Efficiency Agency, and local stakeholders including representatives from schools, public institutions, and the private sector.
The plan includes an analysis of the current energy situation in the municipality’s territory, identifying opportunities for modernizing public buildings, improving street lighting efficiency, reducing electricity consumption, and promoting the use of renewable energy sources, primarily solar energy. It outlines a set of concrete actions related to infrastructure improvement, technical staff training, and community awareness for efficient energy use.
The process was characterized by transparency and broad participation. During the drafting, consultations and meetings were held with interest groups and local/national institutions to ensure the plan aligns with strategic development goals and national energy policies.
The approval of this plan represents an important step toward institutionalizing energy management at the local level and will serve as a guiding document for future investments, as well as strengthening administrative capacities for the implementation of the identified measures.
Municipality of Junik – Approval of the Municipal Energy and Climate Action Plan (MECAP)
The development of the Municipal Energy and Climate Action Plan in Junik took place throughout 2024 and the first half of 2025, in accordance with the Energy Efficiency Law No. 06/L-079, the Climate Change Law (2024), and the Law on Local Self-Government No. 03/L-040.
The plan was drafted following the guidelines of the Energy Community Treaty, the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans, and EU climate and energy transition policy frameworks.
This inclusive process involved contributions from municipal directorates, EFFORT and Co-PLAN experts, the Department of Energy at the Ministry of Economy, and representatives from the local community and businesses. A series of meetings, events, and public consultations were held to assess the current energy situation and identify key priorities for improvement.
The Junik plan provides a detailed assessment of the current situation, emphasizing the need to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, increase energy efficiency in both the public and private sectors, and adapt to climate change through the protection of natural resources, promotion of renewable energy, and sustainable resource management.
The plan outlines specific measures such as modernizing public buildings, replacing street lighting with LED/Smart technologies, utilizing solar energy, and involving the community in climate action.
After completing the consultation process and technical verification, the plan for Junik was officially approved on July 31, 2025, by the Municipal Assembly of Junik. This approval marks a key institutional step toward integrating climate and energy into local policies and provides a foundation for future investments in clean energy and sustainable development.
The EFFORT Project – A Model of Cross-Border Cooperation
The approval of these two strategic documents, represents a significant achievement of the EFFORT project and serves as a model of successful cross-border cooperation between Albania and Kosova.
Both local authorities have shown strong commitment to implementing these plans in practice, recognizing energy efficiency and climate action as opportunities for economic development, social well-being, and environmental protection.
These documents demonstrate a new local approach oriented toward sustainability, climate adaptation, and European integration.