EuroSpeak, Concluding Conference – May 12, 2021

On May 12, 2021 was held the Concluding Conference of EuroSpeak magazine. This initiative started in 2011 focusing on EU matters and in 2014 gradually evolved into an authentic online magazine, where journalists, lecturers, researchers, students and other concerned parties found the necessary space to publish their work. During January 2020 – May 2021 EuroSpeak was supported by Civil Society programme for Albania and Kosovo, financed by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and managed by Kosovar Civil Society Foundation (KCSF) in partnership with Partners Albania for Change and Development (PA). During this period, more than 100 articles and 10 videos in the Albanian language were published. The main aim of this activity was to bring together all the authors, partners and other collaborators to evaluate the outcomes and generate new ideas. Around 50 guests took part in this event and shared their experiences in an informal discussion.

Gledis Gjipali, EMA’s Executive Director in his opening speech stated that EuroSpeak uses a comprehensive and digestible language to deliver the latest developments and technical issues related with EU, EU integration and EU enlargement processes to the readers. He thanked the contributors for their cooperation and invited them to be part of the new open calls.

Klotilda Tavani Kosta, Director of Programs at Partners Albania for Change and Development (PA) expressed her pleasure for the thus far fruitful cooperation and declared that PA is looking forward to support future projects.

Besar Likmeta, Editor for BIRN Albania said that EuroSpeak is a relevant space to share knowledge and expertise. He pointed out that it is a challenge to simplify EU related information and hopes that this process will continue to be reflected in the traditional media.

Blendi Salaj, Producer/Presenter A2 CNN in Albania said that there a few factors that affect the lack of critical thinking. He stated that nowadays the authority of big media platforms has decreased and all the important details are shared and grasped through the phone. The division between journalism, redaction and sales is sacred because nowadays news has transformed into advertisement. Salaj claimed that qualitative media platforms ought to be independent from economic interests.