MCN – Deliu: Due to the electoral process, the opening of other Clusters may be prolonged, April, 8, 2025

In an interview for MCN, Nirvana Deliu, an expert at the European Movement in Albania (EMA), stated that the first visit to the Western Balkans by Kaja Kallas, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, was significant, as it will maintain the Albania-EU dialogue on defense and security, while reaffirming Albania’s goodwill in aligning its cooperation with the EU. Besides official meetings with the heads of state, Kallas also held meetings with civil society actors and university representatives, conveying the message that reforms are not implemented solely by the government but must involve the entire society.

Furthermore, Deliu noted that after the elections, changes in governance might occur, but this does not imply penalties, as all political parties aim for Albania’s integration into the EU. However, such changes may bring about a transitional period in forming the government. On the other hand, it remains to be seen how quickly the public administration will adapt to this field. Although there is a reform and a roadmap for public administration, implementation challenges remain present. Deliu reminded that the reason for carrying out reforms is not just EU membership, but first and foremost, the creation of a “mini-EU” within Albania. The more we integrate, the closer we align with the standards, the more positive and tangible the results become for the whole society.

In conclusion, Deliu clarified that the European Union considers civil society a vital element in democratic processes. Even though it does not have a decision-making role, civil society should be present as a consultative actor, offering expertise and support in areas where public administration faces difficulties. However, civil society faces several shortcomings. First, the lack of sufficient capacity to provide high-quality expertise makes effective participation in decision-making processes difficult. Second, there is a lack of communication with public institutions, which often view civil society involvement as an additional burden. Despite these challenges, bridging mechanisms have been established, such as the Partnership Platform for European Integration and the negotiation structure, which enable the inclusion not only of civil society but also of other interested stakeholders in these processes.

MCN – Deliu: Due to the electoral process, the opening of other Clusters may be prolonged, April, 8, 2025