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, Pukë, 4 November 2025

On 4 November 2025, in cooperation with the Puka Youth Center, a workshop was held within the framework of the National Resource Centre for Civil Society (NRC), an initiative implemented by Partners Albania for Change and Development and the European Movement in Albania (EMA).

The activity was opened by Xhoana Zeqo, Project Manager at Partners Albania for Change and Development, who presented the mission and work of the NRC, which aims to build bridges of cooperation and foster civic engagement at the local level. She highlighted the importance of holding such activities beyond Tirana, to bring information and debate on policymaking and decision-making processes closer to local communities. Zeqo emphasized that, at this crucial stage of the European integration process, it is essential to create spaces for information, engagement, and civic activism at the local level. She also underlined the importance of involving young people early on, so they can become active participants in these processes.

Nirvana Deliu, Project Director at the European Movement in Albania, provided an overview of recent developments in the EU integration process, focusing on the negotiation process and the opening and closing of chapters and clusters. She stressed the need to extend the integration dialogue beyond Tirana by engaging local communities and making the Partnership Platform for European Integration more accessible to actors in cities such as Puka, through hybrid activities and increased access to digital engagement opportunities.

Doc. Anila Shehi Dollani, EU affairs expert, presented an analysis of the EU’s approach to chapters related to education, youth, culture, and employment. She offered a concise overview of Albania’s EU integration journey, highlighting key challenges in meeting the EU criteria. Shehi provided concrete examples of opportunities for inclusion, financial support, and grants available to countries like Albania in the fields of employment, education, and youth, demonstrating how local civil society actors and young people can strengthen their capacities and enhance their civic and political engagement. In conclusion, she emphasized that despite the limited capacities and resources of local civil society organizations, they must become more proactive and collaborative to increase their impact and participation in decision-making processes.

The discussion reaffirmed the importance of local actors’ engagement in building a more inclusive and sustainable European integration process, highlighting the need for greater awareness among citizens about the requirements and standards arising from the EU accession process.

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