The Social Consequences of Territorial Consolidation: A Comparative Study of Public Service Delivery and Social Equity in Albania and Croatia

Abstract

The tension between centralization and local autonomy remains a critical challenge for social equity and public service delivery in transitional democracies. This paper examines the social and educational consequences of territorial consolidation, using the 2015 Territorial Administrative Reform in Albania as a primary empirical case study, with a comparative perspective on Croatia. While officially framed as a measure to deepen decentralization and improve service efficiency, this study explores indications that the reform has contributed to a functional re-centralization of administrative power, which appears to have had adverse effects on social welfare, educational infrastructure, and civic engagement. Drawing on a mixed-methods approach, including a 2021 survey of 248 citizens and an analysis of local governance data, the research reveals a stark disconnect between administrative goals and social outcomes. The findings suggest that the consolidation of local government units may have exacerbated spatial inequalities, affected the perceived quality of social care and educational support services, and contributed to a democratic deficit by increasing the administrative distance between citizens and decision-making processes. A comparative analysis with Croatia highlights how different governance structures impact social equity and community well-being. The paper concludes that prioritizing administrative efficiency without sufficient safeguards for community proximity may negatively impact the social fabric of local communities. This study contributes to the global literature on state-society relations by demonstrating that genuine decentralization must be anchored in social equity and the empowerment of vulnerable populations.

Received: 20 February 2026  │  Accepted: 10 June 2026  │  Published: 23 July 2026