Forum: European Integration process and channels for youth involvement

On 24 January 2013, EMA in cooperation with Young Intellectuals, Hope (YIH) Shkodër, organised in the premises of EU Info Centre Shkodër the forum “European Integration process and channels for youth involvement”. This event was organised in the framework of the project “Youth as agent of participatory democracy and institutional accountability in the municipality of Shkodra”, supported by Olof Palme Center and SIDA. Students, activists and media representatives attended the forum.

The event was opened by Mr. Gledis Gjipali, Executive Director at EMA, who welcomed the participants and emphasised the importance of public involvement in policy and decision making processes. He argued that greater involvement, especially from youth, makes the country’s European Integration process more transparent.

Mr. Clive Rumbold, Head of Political, Economic and Information Section, Delegation of the EU to Albania, during his speech focused on the history of the creation of the EU by bringing to the attention the fundamental principles upon which it was built, known as the Copenhagen Criteria. Aspirant countries such as Albania must share the same values ​​and create structures that translate these values into practice. Democracy, prosperity, respect for human rights and rule of law are principles which are also reflected on the 12 criteria that the European Commission has addressed to Albania in 2010, in the framework of its European perspective. Because of the misconceptions that surround this process, Mr. Rumbold explained how decision-making is conducted and implemented in the EU by identifying the difference between the European Commission and the European Council. He concluded by saying: “Democracy functions only when politicians put into practice the will of the people who voted them”. Therefore, he encouraged young people to become part of the decision making, especially through voting as the most basic form to exert political pressure.

Ms. Lorena Beshello, representative of YIH, during her speech addressed the gap between the governed and those who govern, as a result of apathy and lack of confidence of youth. Such behaviour appears due to the lack of information and the willingness of state structures to be more open and transparent. Ms. Beshello urged students to be more active and start contributing into what they themselves will reap in the future.

In the end, the forum was attended by an open discussion where students addressed a series of questions to the representative of the EU.