NRC 3 Workshop: The European integration process in Albania – opportunities for the involvement of civil society and youth in the negotiations process for social policies, employment, education, and youth, Korça, 29 May 2025

On May 29, 2025, in cooperation with the Faculty of Natural and Human Sciences of the “Fan S. Noli” University in Korça, the second workshop was held within the framework of the National Resource Centre for Civil Society, organized by Partners Albania for Change and Development and the European Movement in Albania. The main focus of the activity was to identify opportunities for the involvement of civil society, activists, and young people working in the fields of employment, social inclusion, youth, and education in the negotiation process and to encourage public information and consultation regarding Cluster 3 – Competitiveness and Inclusive Growth. The workshop brought together representatives of local organizations, activists, academic staff, students, and youth, with the aim of enhancing their knowledge and capacity regarding Albania’s EU integration process, emphasizing the importance of active participation of non-public actors in policymaking and decision-making processes.

The event was opened with a greeting from the representative of the University of Korça, who emphasized that in this stage of the integration process, the country needs broader public participation and debate, not only in Tirana but also at the local and academic level in other cities.

Arjola Agolli, Program Director at Partners Albania for Change and Development, presented the mission and activities of the National Resource Centre for Civil Society (NRC), which aims to foster civic mobilization and active participation in public life by civil society actors and beyond. She stressed the importance of such initiatives for local civil society, which often feels excluded from activities that are concentrated solely in the capital. According to her, efforts should be twofold: on one hand, ensuring more inclusive spaces, and on the other, encouraging and motivating local actors themselves to engage, despite the challenges they often face such as lack of resources, time, or capacities.

Nirvana Deliu, Project Director at the European Movement in Albania, focused her presentation on the stages of Albania’s EU integration process, addressing where the country currently stands and the role civil society actors can and should play in this process. She emphasized that their role should not be limited to raising awareness, but should extend to more active participation in existing structures of dialogue, consultation, and policymaking—such as the Partnership Platform for European Integration—as well as in networks and structures established directly by civil society. Furthermore, Deliu underlined the importance of trainings and activities offered by the Resource Centre as a tool to foster engagement and dialogue.

Associate Professor Dr. Elda Zotaj, EU expert and lecturer, provided a detailed overview of the content of the chapters related to education, youth, science and research, employment, and social protection, addressing the EU’s requirements and Albania’s level of preparedness in these areas. She highlighted the importance of legal harmonization and the strengthening of institutional capacities for their effective implementation.

Following the presentations, the event continued with an interactive discussion among participants, where several key challenges faced by local non-state actors were brought to light: lack of funding, decreasing interest and engagement outside of Tirana, the complexity of the integration process, and limitations in human resources to participate in such an intensive and dynamic process. Participants also highlighted the need for increased cooperation and networking, as well as the organization of regular meetings to address these challenges and to strengthen the role of civil society in the EU integration process.

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