Forum: Unfolding the EU integration process – Vlorë

On 5 July 2012, EMA supported by the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) and British Embassy in Albania, organised at the premises of the EU Info Center Vlore the next forum entitled “Unfolding the EU integration process”. The forum was attended by students, academics and local media representatives, who after the panellists’ speech were engaged in an open debate on the Albanian’s prospective in the European Union.

The event was welcomed by Mr. Gledis Gjipali, Executive Director at EMA. Mr. Gjipali argued that through increasing public involvement in the EU integration process, the process becomes more transparent and understandable by different layers of society.

Mr. Clive Rumbold, Head of Political, Economic and Information Section, Delegation of the EU to Albania, discussed on the role of the European project on the Albania’s democratic transformation. During his speech, Mr. Rumbold pointed out that EU integration process often is surrounded by false perceptions due to the lack of sufficient information. Therefore, informing the students on the core values of the EU (democracy, prosperity, respect for human rights and rule of law, peace and stabilisation) is of major importance for the future of Albania.   In addition to explaining the role of the EU Delegation to Albania, Mr. Rumbold also elaborated on the 12 key priorities that further progress is needed, as a means to step closer to the EU. A significant part of this progress is closely related with public awareness and engagement in this process, in particular of the Albanian youths.

Furthermore, Mr. Sergio Strozzi, Consul of the Republic of Italy to Vlora, gave an insight on the activities and projects the Italian government has put forward, in the framework of raising awareness and supports the Albania’s integration process. Apart from projects meant for assisting and raising awareness on LGBT rights, Mr. Strozzi also elaborated on projects regarding minority rights, and the support it has gave the Albanian government in achieving the Millennium Development Goals. By emphasising the need for enhancing the public awareness, Mr. Strozzi, also pointed to the benefits European integration brings to the youth and people of Albania. Part of these advantages is a better quality of life standard, a professional public administration, an improved education system, etc.

In the end the forum was followed up by a discussion section, where the participants addressed to panellists different question related to the progress of Albania towards the EU.