“The Europeanization of Public Policies in Albania”- forums and information sessions

European Movement in Albania within the framework of the Erasmus+ program of the EU Jean Monnet- Center of Excellence “The Europeanization of Public Policies in Albania” (ERASMUS-JMO-2021-HEI-TCH-RSCH) has organized several forums and info-sessions bringing together young professionals from different sectors to discuss and share views on European Integration process, empower them to shape and influence policies in local, national and EU level and accordingly transfer the acquired knowledge into their working environment and wide public.

Forum “EU Impact in Transforming Albanian Institutions” was organized on October 14, 2022. Gledis Gjipali, The Executive Director of EMA commented on the 2022 European Commission’s Report for Albania with a particular focus on the Political Criteria. Altin Fuga, Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs introduced the negotiating structures including the Partnership Platform for European Integration, and explained the stages and the procedures of the EU integration process. Agim Rrapaj, Agribusiness Council of Albania oriented the deliberations towards the administrative capacities of our country to fulfill the EU requirements for each chapter. Ermelinda Kordha, University of Tirana provided a few pointers regarding the involvement of the academia in the negotiation process.

The Information Session “The Europeanization of Fiscal Policies” was organized on October 21, 2022. Denarda Kenaj, specialist at the General Directorate of Taxes, provided information regarding tax legislation specifically about international agreements ratified by the National Assembly; tax laws; by-laws, decisions of the Council of Ministers, regulations, and technical instructions of the General Directorate of Taxes. Kanaj gave more insights concerning the system for monitoring the circulation of electronic invoices from entities such as public bodies, banks, non-bank financial institutions, and all taxpayers who issue invoices according to this law.

The Forum “The Impact of the European Integration Process in Albania: The Case of the Free Movement of Lawyers and the Promotion of Women’s Rights” was held on December 1, 2022, at “Qiriazi” College. Gentjan Skara, lecture emphasized the relevance of this forum and shortly explained the harmonization of the Albanian legislation with the EU Acquis. Eriada Çela gender expert from “The University of Elbasan” brought to attention the impact of the European integration process on promoting women’s rights. Denard Veshi from “Beder” College spoke about the freedom of movement of lawyers and compared the EU legislation with Albanian legislation. Ada Guven Lecturer at “Beder” College presented the conclusions of the activity.

Forum “Bioethics, EU and Albania’s integration process” was organized on December 15, 2022. Enida Bozheku, lecturer at “Qiriazi” College moderated the activity and spoke about the relevance of this forum. Endrita Shehu, Policy Researcher at EMA, explained the legislation concerning the right to information and public consultation in Albania, emphasizing the promotion of integrity, transparency, and accountability of public authorities. Denard Veshi, lecturer at “Beder College” explained the importance of informing patients about their rights by applying an interdisciplinary approach.

The Information Session “Europeanization of Labour Law” was held on December 20, 2022. Av. Enkelejda Koka, Ph.D. focused her presentation on lawsuits against the termination of the employment contract; the termination without reasonable reasons; and the impact of European labor law on Albanian legislation. She mentioned four main areas of EU labor rights regulation including individual labor rights, anti-discrimination regulations, rights for information, consultation, participation in work, and rights to work security. Koka explained a few practical cases and explained the Labor Code of the Republic of Albania from Articles 93(2) and 92(3).

The Information Session “Europeanisation of Criminal Law to legal entities” was organized on January 10, 2023. Speaker Prof. Assoc. Av Ersi Bozheku focused his presentation on the criminal responsibility of legal entities in the European Union; the impact of European legislation on Albanian national law; the criminal responsibility of the legal entity in Albania; the sharing of responsibility personal from that the legal entity as well as the positive and negative reasons of Comparative Law. He added that legal entities, with the exception of state institutions, are criminally responsible for criminal offenses committed in their name or for their benefit by their bodies and representatives.

The Information Session “Albania’s Membership in the European Union and the Impact of European Union Law on Albanian Legislation” was held on February 27, 2023. Gentjan Skara PhD, focused his presentation on EU law and membership conditions; the Stabilization and Association Agreement; the obligation to align domestic legislation with the EU acquis and lastly he mentioned all the actors engaged in the alignment of legislation. He explained the sources of EU law and mentioned a few fundamental treaties like the one that created the European Coal and Steel Community, the treaty that created the European Economic Community, the one that created the European Atomic Energy Community, and the treaty that created a single Commission and Council, as well as their developments.

Forum “EU, Albanian Integration and European Private Law” was held at “Qiriazi” College on March 14, 2023. Gentjan Skara, Ph.D. lecturer at “Bedër” College spoke mostly about the sources of EU law and listed them according to their relevance starting with the primary sources, the general principles, the decisions of the European Court of Justice of the EU, and lastly the ones defined as soft laws. Nirvana Deliu, Project Coordinator at EMA gave more insights on the subject of EU expansion in the Western Balkans. Denard Veshi, lecturer at “Bedër” college explained the basis of the European private law where he first started with an introduction to the principles of ownership and inheritance rights provided for in the EU.

Forum “Albania’s Pathway towards the EU accession and the Influence of EU Law on Albania’s Legal System”, was held on January 30, 2025, in which EU Law lecturer and expert Gentjan Skara, presented an overview of Albania’s progress toward EU membership, highlighting key developments such as the opening of Cluster 1 – Fundamentals and Cluster 6 – External Relations. He also discussed the critical reforms required to further align Albanian legislation with the EU acquis, as mandated by the Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA). Skara further elaborated on the way Albania has significantly benefitted from these reforms, particularly in strengthening the judicial system by enhancing the independence, efficiency, and accountability of its courts.