Europe Day Activities

In the framework of Europe Day Activities, EMA in collaboration with Roma Active Albania (RAA) organised on 4 May 2012 at EU Info Centre, a training session on “Protection of human rights in the framework of the EU integration process”. This event, supported by European Commission, aimed to enhance social interaction between Roma and non-Roma high school students through increasing their information and awareness on human rights’ protection.

The session was opened by a welcome speech from Mr. Gledis Gjipali, Executive Director of EMA. He emphasised the previous and continues fruitful cooperation between EMA and RAA, as one of our best partners in promoting European values to young generation. Moreover, Mr. Gjipali continued by pointing out the importance that human rights hold in the EU agenda and in Albania’s European perspective.

A detailed introduction on the main European legal framework related to human rights was presented by EMA’s Program Assistant, Mr. Nensi Shyti. During his presentation, Mr. Shyti paid a particular attention on achievements realized so far by the Albanian government to address this particular issue foreseen in its action plan of the 12 EC key priorities.

Meanwhile, Mr. Dritan Ziu, Coordinator of RAA, presented some real life examples of discrimination as well as protection of human rights in Albania. Furthermore, he described the work on progress of different organizations and RAA in particular, in increasing public awareness on Roma community rights and advocating for non-discrimination.

The session followed up with a workshop, where students were involved in designing a poster, reflecting their perception of human rights’ protection in national and European level.

In continuation of European Day Activities, on 10 May 2012, an informative session was held at the premises of Marin Barleti University. The goal of this session was introducing to students and academic staff different aspects of the lobbing process by interest groups in the EU. A documentary titled “Brussels for Business – Climate Change and Business Lobby in Brussels” was presented to the audience, serving as a starting point towards a constructive debate moderated by Ms. Blerta Hoxha, Researcher at EMA. Ms. Hoxha analysed the developing concept of lobbing in EU in comparison to that in US, trying to provide the audience with more detailed information on this regards. In addition, she pointed out the increased need of lobbing followed by the enlargement of EU competences during the last years, as well as the transparency issues of organizations in this process.