Forum: Unfolding the EU integration process- in Durres

On 13 June 2012, EMA in collaboration with “Aleksander Moisiu” University in Durres and the Italian Embassy in Albania, organized the forum entitled: “Unfolding the EU integration process”, where the distinguished guest speaker was His Excellency Mr. Massimo Gaiani, Ambassador of the Republic of Italy in Albania. This event was held in the framework of the project “Debunking the EU integration process”, supported by the British Embassy in Albania. The lecture was attended by students and professors of this university.

The event was opened by the welcome speech of Mr. Mit’hat Mema, Rector of the University, who summarized the collaborations of this university with Italian universities and other universities in Europe. Although established recently, in the framework of the Tempus program the University of Durres enjoys fruitful cooperations and other connections with different universities such as the one in Bologna, Keit, Padua, etc.. Mr. Mema said that the academic world, in a sense, is a step ahead regarding the European Integration compared with the rest of society, since by now it is more international and more open to experiences of other countries.

During his speech, Mr. Massimo Gaiani, Ambassador of the Republic of Italy in Albania, stressed that Italy has supported and helped Albania in these 100 years as an independent country based on the logic of respect for its sovereignty, will and decision making of Albanians itself. However, according to the opinion of Ambassador Gaiani, the relationship between our countries cannot be considered any more as Italy helping Albania – it is genuine cooperation between both countries.
Referring to the European Integration process of Albania, he assessed as positive the fact that public opinion strongly supports Albania’s EU Integration, although there has been a slight decline during the last year. In this respect, he mentioned the important role of universities to spread knowledge and understanding about the process and challenge the voices that put in doubt the advantages deriving from Albania’s EU membership. Mr. Gaiani pointed out some of these advantages by including: EU single market, the regulatory aspect, better distribution of resources through the cohesion policy and structural funds, the opportunity to speak with a stronger voice in the international arena, etc.

Further, Mr. Gledis Gjipali, Executive Director of EMA, during his speech was focused specifically on the importance of informing the new generation for a better and deeper understanding of the European Integration process by overcoming the political rhetoric that often accompanies it. He considered young people an important actor in influencing policy-making in order to accelerate Albania’s path towards the EU.

In the end, the forum was followed by an open discussion session during which Ambassador Gaiani was asked about recent political developments in the country and their implications in the European integration process.