Oct 27, 2025

Advancing Public Property Management in Kosovo

As part of the Efficient Public Sector Asset Management (EPSAM) project, Albana Shala, Director of the Office for Public Property Administration (OPPA) within the Prime Minister’s Office of Kosovo, shares her reflection on how participating in the CEF learning activities has shaped her professional growth and supported the development of the OPPA. Through her experience, she highlights the valuable skills, knowledge, and practical tools gained during the program, and demonstrates how these learning opportunities have contributed to strengthening public asset management practices in Kosovo.

Since you participated in the CEF and EPSAM learning activities, how would you describe your overall learning experience with the CEF?

Participating in the CEF and engaging in the EPSAM learning activities has been a truly transformative experience for me, both personally and professionally. These programs not only broadened my understanding of key topics but also helped me develop new skills and perspectives that I now apply in my daily work. The interactive nature of the activities, combined with the opportunity to collaborate with professionals from diverse backgrounds, made the experience even more enriching. I found myself continuously challenged, inspired, and motivated to grow—not just as a participant, but as an active contributor to meaningful discussions and knowledge exchange. Looking back, I can confidently say that my involvement in the CEF and EPSAM was not just a learning opportunity but a turning point in my professional journey.

Which learning activity stood out to you the most, and why?


The activity that stood out to me the most was the EPSAM program. What made it particularly interesting is that this concept is still new in my country—we haven’t yet started implementing such programs on a large scale. Learning how these initiatives can improve transparency, accountability, and the effective use of public resources truly opened my eyes to their potential benefits. It made me realize how important it is for my country to adopt these practices to manage public assets more effectively and ensure sustainable development.

Which topic(s) covered during the activity do you consider most important for your role and the work of your institution?


The topic that impressed me most—and is especially relevant given the current situation in our country—is the importance of accurate and comprehensive information in creating a unified registry and record of public properties. Such a registry would provide a clear overview of all properties managed at both the central and local levels. This not only enhances transparency and efficiency but also significantly improves decision-making regarding the management, use, and utilization of these assets. A well-structured system contributes to greater accountability for public assets entrusted to institutions and supports much-needed reforms for sustainable and responsible governance.

How have you been able to apply this knowledge or these skills in your day-to-day work?


Since our office is new and we’re the first team here, I’ve had the unique challenge and opportunity of helping build things from the ground up. The knowledge and skills I gained from the training have been a real game changer. Thanks to what I learned, I was able to create a short-term guide that we now use daily to keep our work organized and on track. It’s like having a roadmap that makes our busy days more structured and focused. But the best part is that this guide isn’t just for today—it also helps us think ahead. It supports us in planning our medium- and long-term goals, which feels rewarding because we are not just reacting to challenges; we’re shaping the future. I’m proud knowing that what I have learned is making a real difference in how our team works and grows.

Did the CEF learning support help you clarify or address any specific challenges you/your team faced in setting up the OPPA? If yes, how?


Starting a new office from scratch is no small feat. When my team and I began setting up the OPPA, we quickly realized how many challenges lay ahead. One of the biggest hurdles was figuring out how to establish clear processes and organize our workflows effectively. At times, it felt like trying to assemble a puzzle without all the pieces. The frameworks and practical tools we learned through the CEF came at the perfect time and provided a much-needed roadmap. Suddenly, the chaos started to make sense, and we could see a clear path forward.

Another key realization was understanding how internal processes directly affect something as critical as the valuation of public properties. It wasn’t just about paperwork—it was about maximizing the value of public assets through better use and management. Knowing that our work could directly impact the country’s resources motivated us to push even harder. Thanks to CEF support, we’re now managing day-to-day tasks more smoothly while also planning strategically for the future. It’s inspiring to be part of something that truly makes a difference, and I’m excited to see where this journey takes us next.

What is the mandate of your Office, and how was it formalized?


The mandate of the OPPA includes a range of important functions related to the administration, management, and oversight of public property across the country. These include:

  • Creating, updating, and maintaining a comprehensive registry of public property to ensure accurate data for all publicly owned assets;
  •  Ensuring that the use, leasing, and exchange of public property are conducted in accordance with legal procedures, promoting efficiency, transparency, and use in the public interest;
  • Providing preliminary approvals for the use of public property by interested parties, with the goal of increasing the value and utilization of public assets;
  •  Cooperating closely with municipalities, ministries, and other public institutions to ensure coordinated and effective management of public property;
  • Continuously monitoring the use of public property and reporting any irregularities, unauthorized use, or potential abuse to the relevant oversight institutions.

The OPPA was established and operates in accordance with Law No. 06/L-092 on Public Property. This law clearly defines:

  • The legal and institutional framework of the Office for the Administration of Public Property;
  • Its scope of authority and responsibilities regarding public property;
  • Its organizational structure, staff responsibilities, and internal operational procedures.


Since the establishment of your Office, what are you most proud of?


One of our most significant achievements has been launching efforts to create a clear and accessible registry of public properties. This initiative is crucial not only for increasing transparency and reducing the risk of abuse or mismanagement but also for enhancing the overall value of public assets. Additionally, we have issued comprehensive guidelines and implemented standardized practices for the use, maintenance, leasing, and allocation of public property. These measures ensure that public assets are managed responsibly and used for the common good. I’m also proud of the strong collaboration we’ve built with both central and local institutions, as well as with the Association of Kosovo Municipalities. Together, we’ve worked to ensure that decision-making regarding public property is fair, inclusive, and legally compliant. These accomplishments reflect our ongoing commitment to accountability, efficiency, and service to the public interest—principles that continue to guide our daily work.