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, Elbasan, 28 May 2025

On May 28, 2025, in cooperation with the Municipality of Elbasan, a workshop was held as part of the National Resource Centre for Civil Society, organised 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, education, and youth in the EU accession process—particularly in promoting public awareness and consultation related to Cluster 3 – Competitiveness and Inclusive Growth. The workshop brought together representatives of local organizations, activists, academic staff, students, and youth, aiming to enhance knowledge and strengthen capacities on Albania’s EU integration process, while emphasizing the importance of active participation of non-public actors in policymaking and decision-making.

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 supports civic engagement and participation across Albania. She emphasized the crucial role of local actors and youth in Elbasan, highlighting the need to create more opportunities for their involvement in shaping public life. Agolli pointed out that initiatives must not only ensure accessible and inclusive spaces outside the capital, but also actively encourage and empower young people and local organizations in Elbasan to participate—despite the common challenges they face, such as limited resources, time constraints, and capacity gaps.

Gledis Gjipali, Executive Director of European Movement Albania offered an overview of Albania’s EU accession process, with particular attention to the areas where young people and local civil society in Elbasan can get involved. He underlined the importance of not limiting engagement to the capital, but rather opening up structured opportunities for young voices and grassroots organizations to take part in EU-related consultations. Gjipali encouraged participants to see themselves not just as observers but as active contributors to the country’s European path—whether through participation in dialogue mechanisms or civic-led platforms. He pointed to the resources, trainings, and tools offered by the Resource Centre as valuable means to build confidence and capacity among Elbasan’s youth and civil society scene.

Dr. Eriada Çela, lecturer at University of Elbasan, placed particular emphasis on EU policies related to education and youth, highlighting the importance of programs such as Erasmus+. She explained how these instruments support learning mobility, academic exchange, and youth empowerment—offering concrete avenues for young people in Elbasan to connect with Europe. Dr. Çela also reflected on Albania’s current participation in these programs and the untapped potential that remains, especially in smaller cities. She emphasized the need to increase awareness and access to such opportunities locally, so that young people in Elbasan can actively benefit from the EU integration process and contribute meaningfully to shaping it.

This activity in Elbasan marked an important step toward increasing awareness and engagement of local actors and youth in Albania’s EU integration process. The discussions and exchange of perspectives revealed both strong interest and significant potential for building cooperation bridges between institutions, civil society, and local communities. Through such initiatives, the aim is to strengthen civic sensitivity and promote more inclusive and sustainable participation in decision-making processes related to the country’s European future.

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