Staff

Florian Xhafa
Member of Board of Directors

Mr. Florian Xhafa obtained his BA in Law awarded with distinctions in 1999, and his Master of Arts Degree in European Studies in 2008 from Tirana University. Mr. Xhafa is a senior lawyer and policy expert with over 16 years of intensive experience in policy and legal analysis, policy and legal drafting of several important areas of law and development issues. During his long professional experience, Mr. Xhafa has gained a combined experience in the public and private sector which provides him with insight in both aspects of law and policy making.

Mr. Xhafa possesses a thorough knowledge of European law having covered important positions during the different stages of the European Integration process of Albania. From 2001 to 2004 he was engaged in the European Integration Department of the Prime Minister’s office. In this occasion he extensively dealt with policy and legal analysis relevant to the Internal Market areas during the phase of preparation for the adoption of the Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA) between European Union and Albania. He was entitled with essential responsibilities in the negotiation and monitoring process of the implementation of the SAA provisions on Internal Market. From 2004 to 2007, Mr. Xhafa covered the position of Head of Coordination Unit for the Approximation of Legislation, at the Ministry of European Integration. In this occasion, he, coordinated the transposition within the Albanian legislation of the European Union legislation related to the Energy, Environment, Agriculture; Rural Development, Customs, Maritime and Railway Transport, Company Law, etc. as well as managed and coordinated the training program of the European Commission (TAIEX Program for Albania).  Since leaving civil service, Mr. Xhafa worked in many projects financed by international organizations such as EU Commission, WB, UNDP, OSCE, as a policy and legal consultant. Mr. Xhafa is also a Lecturer at Tirana Business University on Consumer Protection and author and co-author of several publications.

Ilir Aliaj
Member of Board of Directors

Ilir Aliaj is one of the founders of the European Movement in Albania and currently sits in the Board of Directors. He holds two Bachelor degrees from University of Tirana in Geography and Law, and a Master degree from the College of Europe, in "Pre-accessing Strategies" Simon Stevin promotion. Mr. Aliaj, is Executive Director of Centre for Development and Democratization of Institutions, a think tank based in Tirana, Albania. He has been working for eight years as a journalist in different Albanian newspapers and published several articles on access to information, European accession strategies and the role of European Court of Human Rights in shaping the constitutional order of Albania. He speaks Albanian (mother tongue), English, French and Italian.

Gledis Gjipali
Executive Director
Contact: gledis.gjipali@em-al.org

Mr. Gjipali has considerable experience in implementing and managing different projects on European integration, experience that he first reflected in the position of the Program Director and later of the Executive Director of EMA. Some of the most important initiatives undertaken include: the National Convention on EU Integration, a platform about the cooperation between state institutions and civil society; European Integration and Negotiation Academy, with the main focus on the preparation of experts from various sectors regarding EU accession negotiations; EuroSpeak, an informative window on the European Union and the progress of the integration process. Mr. Gjipali graduated from the Faculty of Law at the University of Tirana in 2004. He has worked for several years at the Ministry of European Integration (2004-2008) at the Approximation of Legislation Directorate, addressing areas of immigration, organized crime, judicial cooperation, human rights and personal data protection. Later in the Justice and Home Affairs Department, he was engaged in the reform of the judicial system and property rights. During this period he has been a member of the working teams for drafting important strategic documents such as the National Plan for Legislation Approximation, the National Plan for the Implementation of the MSA, etc. He has published several studies and reports in the field of European Integration, free movement of persons, EU assistance in regional and rural development, electoral systems and parliament. For several years he has been the author of Freedom House's Nations in Transit Countries Report for Albania. He is a member of the National Council of European Integration as well as in some other advisory boards related to research and civil society. Mr. Gjipali speaks Albanian (mother tongue), English and Italian.

Nirvana Deliu
Project Coordinator/ Policy Researcher
Contact: nirvana.deliu@em-al.org

Nirvana has been working at European Movement Albania (EMA) as a policy researcher and project coordinator for more than 7 years. She has completed her Bachelor Studies in Political Sciences, in the Faculty of Social Sciences in Tirana and after that, she has successfully completed in 2015 a Master of Science in Theory of Politics at the same university. In meantime, she has conducted a Specializing Master on International Relations, at Universita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy throughout the year 2014. At EMA, Nirvana as a policy researcher/project coordinator contributes in everyday activities consisting of coordination of projects, implementation of activities, conducting research and analysis as well as preparing different policy papers and other relevant publications. Her work at EMA is mostly focused on issues related to migration, legislation in this area, harmonization of the Albanian legal framework with EU Acquis and development policies not only in Albania but also in the region and the EU. Many of the projects she coordinates and capacity-building activities and networking initiatives she has contributed in, are focused on topics related with human rights, regular and irregular migration, asylum, border security and visa policy.  She has worked as an adjunct lecturer at University of Tirana, Faculty of Social Sciences in the Department of Political Sciences for about two years (2018-2020). Her fields of expertise include migration and human rights, international relations and regional development, philosophy and ethics. She speaks: Albanian (mother tongue), English and Italian, and she has basic knowledge of French.

Ermelinda Muçaj
Junior Project Officer
Contact: ermelinda.mucaj@em-al.org

Ermelinda has obtained a Bachelor’s degree in British and American Studies at the University of Tirana. Throughout the third year of studies, she has pursued an Erasmus+ study period at the University of Turin, Italy, where she has acquired knowledge on EU-related subjects, and she has visited EU institutions in Brussels during a study visit. Later, she has successfully completed a Master of Science degree in Intercultural Communication at the University of Tirana with her thesis defended on conveying Europeanness - A critical discourse analysis of EU Ambassadors' speeches in Albania. During this time, she has been working as a Translator and English Instructor, and shortly after, she has started a second Master’s in Democracy and Human Rights in South East Europe – a double degree from the University of Sarajevo and the University of Bologna. Ermelinda has got an internship at RCC’s Western Balkan Youth Lab, which helped her to research about her Master’s thesis on youth political participation in newly-established democracies – a comparative study between Albania and BiH. She has presented her research work on the Janus-face of enlargement fatigue, inter alia, youth’s perceptions; language weaponization – a political discourse analysis of Russia-Ukraine conflict; Russia-Ukraine aggression media coverage; reinvigoration of populism in European Political Parties; quandaries of the principle of non-refoulement at the EU’s external borders; a discourse-historical approach of migration securitization and identity construction on several international scientific conferences held at the University of Tirana, Institute of European Studies (UT), Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, University of Turin, Université Libre de Bruxelles, International University of Sarajevo, University of Prishtina, etc. She is currently a Research Fellow in Peace and Conflict Studies investigating the incongruous post-conflict peacebuilding discourses in Kosovo. She speaks English and Italian fluently, and has basic knowledge of Spanish and Turkish. Her fields of interest are European Integration, human rights, youth studies, peace and conflict studies, and critical discourse analysis.

Soneda Methasa
Financial Assistant
Contact: financa.projekte@gmail.com

Soneda has completed her Bachelor’s studies in Financial Accounting at the Faculty of Economics, University of Tirana. She participated in the "Skills and Employment for Youth" project implemented by the Young Entrepreneurs Union of Albania and the Albanian Diaspora Business Chamber. In this project, she was engaged in training for soft skills and entrepreneurship, as well as a 3-month internship at the accounting firm ‘Die Krone International’. Additionally, Soneda attended the summer school "Albania’s Path to the EU" organised by Luarasi University, in which she gained knowledge about the progress of Albania’s EU integration process. Currently, Soneda is responsible for overseeing the financial management of projects being implemented by EMA. She is proficient in English and French.

Mona Xhexhaj
Associate Researcher

Ms. Xhexhaj was initially acquainted with the work of EMA from the Practice Program in 2012. She has been engaged as Policy Researcher and now as Associate researcher. Since Mona's work is focused on promoting, involving and informing various civil society actors in the European integration process, she has contributed as Project Coordinator to the Academy of European Integration and Negotiation and to the European Integration Convention, two initiatives aimed at establishing capacities and all-inclusiveness in the framework of integration. Furthermore, Mona has co-managed for several years projects focusing on youth involvement in local, national and European decision making, such as Europe Day, and Youth as actors in participating in Democracy and Institution Transparency, Youth in Electoral Processes by providing trainings and monitoring work, as well as collaborations with local institutions. Ms. Xhexhaj is also Editor-in-Chief of the EuroSpeak online magazine. She is a contact point for Erasmus + projects. Mona represents EMA and closely follows regional projects such as the Regional Convention on European Integration, the Berlin Process - the Civil Society Forum and conducts meetings with the European Commission and the European Parliament. In 2017 she graduated from the Council of Europe Leadership Program conducted by the Albanian School of Political Studies. Mona holds a Diploma of Political Science with a focus on International Relationships provided by the University of New York in Tirana / Empire State College in USA, in 2013. During her studies she volunteered to UNYT Student Union as Vice President. Ms. Xhexhaj has gained her first working experience from an internship program at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as part-time as a Training and Event Coordinator at the Eunacal Institute. Her areas of interest are European Integration and Negotiations, IPA Funds absorption, Communication, Institutional Transparency and Accountability, Regional Cooperation, Involvement of Youth in Decision-Making. She speaks Albanian (mother tongue), English, Italian, French and has basic knowledge of German and Serbian.

Mimoza Agolli
Associate Policy Researcher

Mimoza is a key contributor to EMA's Socio-economic Dimension of European Integration Programme. She graduated in 1998 for Tourism Management, holds a master degree in Economics and Management Sciences and a Diploma of Specialized post-University Studies (D.S.P.U) from Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Chania, Greece. Mimoza is attending PhD studies on Quantitative Economics, at Christian-Albrecht's University, Kiel - Germany. She has worked as researcher and trade policy analyst at Albanian Center for International Trade (ACIT) focusing on quantitative oriented research on trade policies and their economic effect. She has paid special attention to explore foreign trade developments and policy options to improve and support positive developments in Albanian International Trade flows. Furthermore, she has been research consultant for the evaluation and capacity assessment consultant for the Human Development Report 2008, UNDP. During her work as consultant, Ms. Agolli has explored the national rural budgeting process and the economic relevance this sector has for the Albanian development. Ms. Agolli has written several publications, study reports and statistical analyzes on these issues. She speaks Albanian (Mother tongue), English, Italian, German and Greek.

Elda Zotaj
Associate Policy Researcher

Dr. Elda Zotaj is a lecturer at the Department of Political Science at the Faculty of Political Science, University of Aleksandër Moisiu, Durrës. She holds a Bachelor's degree from the University of Tirana, the Faculty of Social Sciences (Second Level Integrated Degree, DIND in Social Work), a Master’ Degree of Second Level, MND in European Studies from the same University. Also she has a PhD in Diplomacy and International Relations of the EU  from University of Tirana, Institute of European Studies. Currently she is holding  the position of Head of the Department of Political Science at University of Aleksandër Moisiu. Dr. Elda Zotaj is the author of some publications in scientific journals and of regional, national and international conferences in the field of Political Science.  Her most relevant publications are: "The European Union and the Democratic Conditioning Mechanism, the impact on the Western Balkan Countries" (2017; Romania); "Existing Communist Democrats, an Unfinished Process, Albania's Case" (2016; Serbia) "An Analysis of Albanian Politics and Constitutional Changes of 2008" (2013, Italy).

Gentiola Madhi
Associate Policy Researcher

Gentiola Madhi graduated at the College of Europe (Bruges campus) in the Master’s programme on EU International Relations and Diplomacy Studies as well as in the Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in International Studies at the University of Florence. In 2011 she received a postgraduate annual diploma in Advanced European Studies from the European College of Parma. Mrs. Madhi has a considerable work experience in the civil society sector and public administration in Albania. She has been a Visiting Research Fellow at EUROPEUM Institute for European Policy in Prague and has held research fellowships issued by Kosovo Open Society Foundation, Think Visegrad Platform, and Institute for European Democrats in Brussels. Mrs. Madhi has worked also in the field of development cooperation in the Western Balkan countries and in Uganda. Her research interests include regional cooperation, connectivity agenda, EU enlargement and politicization. She speaks Albanian (mother tongue), English, Italian, French, Turkish and has basic knowledge of Spanish.

Embro Ahmetaj
Legal Researcher

Embro Ahmetaj was born in the city of Gjirokastra on 16 August 1991. He has completed his studies at the Faculty of Law, University of Tirana in 2014. He has completed the National School of Advocacy and after finishing the studies he worked as a lawyer assistant. Since 2015, he has been engaged as an adjunct lecturer at the Faculty of Law at the University of Tirana, in the courses like: "European Union Law and the Common Market" as well as in the "Philosophy of Law". AS concerning, academic engagement he has contributed with several articles to national scientific journals, while partaking in different conferences. Embro is also involved in various projects in the area of ​​drafting and monitoring of national legislation and projects related with European integration processes. In 2016, he was appointed as Civil Servant at the State Advocacy Office at the International Court of Justice and International Arbitration Representation Office, where he was involved in preparing comments before the European Court of Human Rights and other international arbitration tribunals. From December 2018 he has been titled State Attorney at the State Advocacy Office at the Office of Representatives of the Council of Ministers, dealing with the legal representation of the Council of Ministers at all levels of the trial.

Evis Fico
Legal and Policy Expert

Holds a Bachelor degree in Law studies from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and has finished a Master of Science in Southeast European Studies in 2005. She attended the Albanian School of Political Studies in 2008. Evis also completed an intensive and advanced specialized theoretical and practical modules in Law and Economics at Riga School of Law, Latvia.Upon her return to Albania in 2006 she became part of the public administration where she held public office for 12 consecutive years in the National Employment Service as a leader in the field of migration and labor relations and later as an employment services expert. She has been the representative and rapporteur of the inter-institutional working group to the European Commission on fulfilling the criteria and tasks for the purpose of visa liberalization for Albania.Evis has a long experience and expertise in the fields of migration, employment, human rights, social rights and others, not only at the executive level and policy implementation, but also in their drafting, as a proponent and co-author of a series of amendments in legislation and in drafting of strategies and important legal acts. She has also experience as a researcher, lecturer and most recently is a member of the National Bar Association.

Holta Ymeri
Legal and policy expert

Ms. Holta Ymeri is a senior lawyer with over 8 years of intensive experience in legal and policy consultancy. She combines a Western European education with an Albanian working experience. Ms. Ymeri obtained her MBA in Law from “La Sapienza” University of Rome, in 2008 and her LLM in European Law, awarded with distinction, from Maastricht University Law School in 2015. As an Albanian attorney, she has been representing national and international clients, advising public authorities in challenging projects and has worked closely with international law firms. As a policy consultant, she has been working in several policy development projects, providing her expertise in the fields of energy, environment and human rights. She gained extensive knowledge on European Law during her master studies and particularly focusing on European protection of Human Rights and the complaint procedures before the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR). She is also author and co-author of several publications and papers. Given her collaborations with EMA, she has contributed in several initiatives and activities conducted by EMA with the main focus Environmental issues, legislation and its protection based on EU standards and criteria, energy and its security, human rights etc. Furthermore, Holta is the Editor in Chief of the Albanian Law Journal, implemented by EMA as the only online journal focused in legal matters and distributed online in both languages, in Albanian and English. Holta speaks Albanian (native language), English, Italian and has basic knowledge of Turkish language.

Dorina Ndreka
Associate Policy Researcher

Dorina Ndreka is a full-time lecturer at the Department of Justice at the “Alexandër Moisiu” University of Durrës since 2009. She graduated as a lawyer at the Faculty of Law at the University of Tirana and then in 2009 she concluded her master’s in European Studies at the University of Tirana. Her PhD thesis was “The impact of the European Law on the development of Public International Law. Since 2005 she has been actively working as a lawyer in civil and administrative law matters. She has a vast experience in the field of Legal Issues and Judicial Expertise Counseling. She participates in a large number of national and international scientific conferences and also has published a variety of scientific articles in scientific journals in Albania and abroad. Mrs. Ndreka has also written several scientific papers on various issues such as EU security policies, Crime's Civil Compensation, International Law Standards on Labour Law etc.

Olta Qejvani 
Legal Researcher

Olta Qejvani is a lecturer of European Law at "Aleksandër Moisiu" University, Durrës since 2016. She contributes at the university with many research-based activities related to: EU law, participation of youth in decision-making and democracy. She has worked for 6 years with youth in three main areas: civil society, academic arenas and public administration. Her experience in the Prime Minister's Office for about three years has strengthened her ability to improve youth policies and employment laws. Olta is the author of many articles related with good governance, public administration, Albanian membership in the EU and EU law. She has drafted a Report on the Situation of Human Rights for persons convicted of deprivation of liberty as a result of her monitoring work in the Albanian Penitentiary System; the report on the new law on local referendums in Albania, etc. Olta is a graduate of very high academic achievements, where she has won the Medal of Honor at the Faculty of Law, University of Tirana. She has represented Albania at the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities at the Council of Europe, Strasbourg, where her project was considered one of the best ideas referring to the participation of young people in local government. She has participated in several local, national and international conferences.

Sajmira Kopani
Legal Researcher  

Sajmira Kopani is graduated with honours for Bachelor and Master Degree on Public Law at the University of Tirana, Faculty of Law. During the course of her studies, Sajmira has been active in Centre for Legal Civic Initiatives (CLCI NGO) and Law Clinic, by assisting in providing legal advises and contributing as junior researcher in different projects. For a year she held the position of the Vice President of Academic Activities at the European Law Students' Association, Albania (ELSA Albania). During this year she was the Academic Coordinator of Albanian Legal Research Group on the topic: “Freedom of Expression and Protection of Journalistic Resources” a researcher on the topic “Social Rights, Austerity Measures and their Implications -The Role of the European Social Charter in Maintaining Minimum Social Standards in Countries Undergoing Austerity Measures” and also contributed in organizing and participated in several conferences, moot courts and trainings. She is appointed as a Legal Assistant by EMA, on July 2016 and she contributes in drafting reports and publications. Currently, she is also a part-time teaching assistant, leading seminars at Tirana University, Faculty of Law. Sajmira’s research interests are in European Union law and policy. She has a special interest on private international law and human rights. Sajmira speaks Albanian (mother tongue), English and Italian.

Blerta Hoxha
Associate Policy Researcher

Blerta has previously covered the role of researcher at the Albanian Council on Foreign Relations (ACFR), policy assistant at the Association for European Performers Organisation (AEPO-ARTIS) in Brussels, policy assistant at the European Association for Viewers Interests (EAVI) in the framework of the Leonardo da Vinci Programme in Brussels as well as intern at the Albanian Embassy to France. Mrs. Hoxha holds a Bachelor degree in Political Science and International Relations (2006), and a Master degree in International Relations and European Integration (2008) from Universita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Milan. In June 2009, she completed her Master in European Political and Administrative Studies at the College of Europe in Bruges. Her research activities and publications cover the areas of Freedom, Security and Justice in the EU, the Enlargement of the EU towards the Western Balkans, EU Telecommunication policies, and Clientela relations between the European Commission and the Civil Society. She speaks Albanian (mother tongue), English, French and Italian.

Ines Stasa
Associate Policy Researcher

Ines was engaged at EMA through an internship programme implemented in cooperation with the Albanian Assembly and due to her proactive attitude and willingness, she became part of our team.  Ms. Stasa holds a bachelor degree in Political Science, from Tirana University and is currently attending Master studies in International Relations. Since January 2011, she works at National Employment Service, which matches with her fields of interests, such as public administration and policy making. Ms. Stasa is the author of three essay books where the last one was published in cooperation with one of the well-known cartoonist in Albania; "Suspense". Several of her articles are published in national daily newspapers and news blogs such as "Shqip" and Balkan Web. She speaks Albanian (mother tongue), English and Italian.

Borana Shala
Associate Researcher

Borana Shala holds a Bachelor degree in Economics and Management (2010), a Master degree in European and International studies and in European Law (2013) from the University of Strasbourg in France. In June 2014, she completed her second Master in European Political and Administrative Studies at the College of Europe in Bruges. As part of her work experience, Borana has done an internship at the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of European Integration in Albania and has participated in different conferences in Europe and beyond. Borana has also been working as a journalist for Dokufest (Documentary film Festival in Prizren, Kosovo) and has published different articles in the Albanian and Kosovo’s main newspapers. She speaks Albanian (mother tongue), English, French and Italian.

Sara Zaçaj
September 2024 - ongoing

Sara Zaçaj is an outstanding fourth-year student enrolled in the integrated law study program at the Faculty of Law, University of Tirana. Sara has actively participated in numerous training programs centered on the law and Albania's integration into the European Union. Notable experiences include a three-day training on Chapters 23 and 24 of the EU acquis, a summer school focused on youth participation in decision-making, and the Elite Professional Academy for Public Administration. Additionally, she attended the "Citizen in Charge" Academy, which emphasized justice and the fight against corruption and organized crime. She has gained practical experience through a four-month internship at A.R.S. Legal and Financial Services. Furthermore, Sara is developing her expertise in public procurement through her engagement in various related training sessions. The experience she will acquire through the EMA internship program is expected to significantly contribute to her professional aspirations.

Alexandra Eder
September 2024 - ongoing

Alexandra Eder is in her third year of pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations and Management at the Technical University of Applied Sciences in Regensburg, Germany. Her academic journey includes additional studies in Intercultural Competences, with a focus on China and Finland. The holistic nature of her program covers a wide array of subjects, including the European Union, crisis management, UN models, European Law, international corporate governance, and international economics. This comprehensive curriculum is complemented by numerous excursions and training sessions, providing her with practical insights into these areas. Alexandra’s passion for diplomacy and negotiation was further ignited during her Erasmus program at Jagiellonian University in Kraków, Poland. There, she engaged in cultural exchanges and delved into EU-related studies, the West Balkans, and Holocaust studies, emphasizing the importance of a resilient and democratic Europe. The Balkan studies particularly resonated with her, given her Albanian heritage and the historic transition of Albania towards EU membership. To gain first-hand experience in this context, Alexandra is undertaking an internship in Albania, working with both the Albanian Parliament's Departments of European Integration and Foreign Affairs, as well as at EMA. This opportunity allows her to explore the challenges and advancements of Albania's EU accession process, specifically in transitioning to Cluster I of the Fundamentals for candidate countries. She is enthusiastic about applying her academic knowledge to contribute meaningfully to EMA’s research and activities and to engage with the civil society in this critical process. Fluent in English and German, and with basic knowledge of Chinese, Portuguese, and Spanish, Alexandra’s passion for languages and intercultural experiences has been a constant throughout her life, having lived abroad for many years. In her leisure time, she enjoys learning new languages, walking in nature, and engaging in artistic activities. An avid animal lover, she is also interested in animal rights laws and the conservation of wildlife.

Ana Çoba
February  – May 2024

Ana Çoba has completed her Bachelor's studies in Political Science at the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Tirana. She is currently enrolled in the first year of Master's program majoring in Political Science with a focus on Project Management and Evaluation at the European University of Tirana. Throughout her career, Ana has completed two internships to apply the academic background into practice. Her first internship was undertaken at Mane TCI, where she performed various tasks including organizing files, data entry and updating employee data, adjusting contracts in the HRMS software, as well as administrative support for the Human Resources team. During her second internship at the Ministry of Internal Affairs, she demonstrated very good organizational skills by efficiently managing and organizing files related to internal affairs in various cities of Albania. Her communication and teamwork skills were evident as she collaborated with senior researchers and actively participated in achieving common goals. She is fluent in Albanian, English, and has good knowledge of French. Ana holds certificates on Fundamentals of Digital Marketing from Google Digital Garage and a certificate for Leadership, Public Communication and Change from the Albanian University. Her leisure activities include learning new foreign languages, reading books and taking pictures.

Elira Sylshabani
December 2023 - ongoing

Elira is a student at the Faculty of Law, University of Tirana, currently she is studying Science of Law and is in her fourth year. She is a member of the Organisation of Justice, Guardians of Human Rights since September 2023, and she is also a member of Montenegro Community in the Republic of Albania Association since December 2023. Elira has also been a member of ELSA Albania for 2 years now. Elira has concluded a two month internship at A&S Legal Office, where she studied administrative procedures of the legal cases and also legal issues that Albanian businesses have. Elira has been engaged in various activities such as: Simulation of Decision-Making Process in the Municipal Council; Simulation of a Criminal Trial and also Cineforum: OJ-Simpson. Lately she was part of the organizing team but also participant of the Winter School 2023 with the topic "The Legal Harmonization Process in the Framework of EU Accession: Techniques and Challenges" organized by Faculty of Law, University of Tirana underEPPAL project, and has been part of the European Integration School by EU Policy Hub. Elira was actively engaged in Student Congress 2023, and is an active activist for Human and Student Rights. As an intern at EMA she is willing to learn as much as she can regarding the process of Albanian Integration in the EU, to understand more about the technicalities and challenges Albania is facing in this transition process, to give as much contribution as she can in different activities, articles and researches. She is willing to come up with activity ideas, article writing and research topics, as well as interconnection with other organizations and students. Since her study focus is "EU Law" she feels very confident and excited for this journey.

Mirjon Mulgeci
September - November 2023

Mirjon Mulgeci is currently studying law at the University of Tirana. He started to be involved in youth activism during highschool where he also recognized the importance of civil society. Mirjon has been part of many youth activities with a particular focus on human rights where we can mention the training about applying to the European Court of Human Rights as well as several workshops organized by the faculty on freedom of expression and hate speech. Mirjoni believes that one of the biggest problems today is access to information, therefore he tries to spread information and opportunities to his friends and community through various means of communication. He likes to travel, read books and watch historical and political movies. Also, Mirjon has a passion for diplomacy and classical architecture and speaks English and Italian.

Xhon Muslli
July - September 2023

Xhon Muslli has completed his higher education in law at the European University of Tirana. During his studies, he actively participated in administrative activities, offering assistance in various projects and engaging in a series of activities organized by UET. He was elected as a representative in the academic senate for one year. After completing his studies with satisfactory results, he was employed in the public sector as a specialist at the State Cadastre Agency, supporting the office's work with various legal practices related to immovable properties in the Korça region. Currently, he is in the final stages of completing his Master's degree in Public Law at the Faculty of Law. He has consistently participated in scientific conferences and training programs within his fields of interest, particularly focusing on Albania's integration processes into the European Union, the rule of law, the social mission of the state, democratic governance, and the protection of human rights. He has also participated in the fifth edition of the national competition "Entrepreneurs of Tomorrow," which recognizes entrepreneurial abilities. Since 2018, he has been part of a group of volunteers in the Municipality of Tirana. Xhon has knowledge of the English and Italian languages and enjoys active and tactical sports. 

Ani Lulja
January 2023- June 2023

Ani Lulja is a student at Epoka University, enrolled in the Political Science and International Relations program, where she is currently finishing her last year of bachelor studies. During her studies, she was an exchange student at Europa Universitat Flensburg (EUF) where she gained international experience and better interaction in a multicultural environment. Her areas of interest are focused on post-conflict resolution, human rights and European integration. Ani has also worked as a HR & Office Coordinator at a Furniture Manufacturer. Outside of academics, her hobbies include taekwondo, swimming, traveling and cooking as she holds a culinary degree. She speaks Albanian, English and she has a good knowledge of Spanish.

Bleona Bejleri
November 2022–January 2023

Bleona Bejleri holds a Bachelor’s degree with a full scholarship in Political Science and is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Regional Political Studies, at the University of Tirana in Albania. During her studies she participated in summer schools, workshops and other activities mainly focused in the field EU policies and international relations. These experiences have contributed in developing her theoretical and practical skills. The European Union has always been one of Bleona’s main interests and one of the reasons she decided to apply for this internship. She is fluent in English and has basic knowledge of the Italian. Spanish, Turkish and Korean languages.  

Erina Troka
September 2022- March 2023

Erina Troka holds a Bachelor of Law degree from Tirana University and is currently concluding a Master program in the Netherlands in European Business Law. During her studies she participated in a traineeship at DLL, an international financial company in the Netherlands. As part of the legal department of the company, Erina was involved in the Sustainability Project. She was part of a cross-functional team preparing an impact assessment for the company on new legislation on Sustainable Finance. Her duties in this team included analyzing the legislation and assisting in drafting legal memos for the stakeholders. Erina’s interests lie in how new advancements in technology are impacting our society and how the law is adapting, focusing on the European Union and European legislation specifically, which incentivized her to answer EMA’s call for internship. As Albania starts the negotiations to join the EU, CSO’s will have a significant role to play in our country’s adherence to European standards, she can be a part of that with EMA. Erina speaks English, Italian and Turkish.

Ana Bojaxhi
June 2022- August 2022

Ana Bojaxhi is currently completing her bachelor's degree on Liberal Arts at St. John’s College. She has been working as a clerk for her college bookstore and at one of the best coffee shops in the world, Starbucks. Thus she is very experienced in customer service and in dealing with complicated or uncomfortable situations. Before going to college she also worked for a family owned restaurant and after that decided she wanted to participate in something more hands-on by joining a new political party named Sfida where she assisted with the development of the campaign and was one of the parties responsible for social media advertisement. Ms. Bojaxhi is willing to learn and eager to participate in any way needed. She has two first languages, Albanian and English.

Gesjana Halili
March 2022- August 2022

Gesjana Halili has completed her Bachelor's degree of Albanian Language and Literature with excellent results, at University of Elbasan, Faculty of Human Sciences. She has recently graduated in Historical Linguistics (MA studies) at University of Tirana, Faculty of History and Philology. During her studies, she had the opportunity to be part of an exchange program at University of La Sapienza. She has attended various trainings and summer schools with focus in Linguistics, European Integration and society. She took part on International Centre at the University of Pécs (Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Department of Political Science and International Studies, Hungary) summer school with focus on European integration: “EUtopia2021-27? Visions and Missions of Europe”. She speaks Albanian (mother tongue), English, Italian and has good knowledge of French and German language.

Besjana Lazja
January 2022- March 2022

Besjana has completed her Bachelor and Master studies in Sociology, at the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Tirana. She has worked as Project Coordinator for the NGO “Walk in my shoes” concerning the Roma community in Albania. Moreover, she has written three research papers related to the challenges that this community faces in our country. Se has participated in different trainings and capacity-building activities. Besjana is eager to increase her knowledge regarding the EU integration process of Albania and learn more about Civil Society Organizations. She speaks English and has a basic knowledge of German.

Gladiola Lleshi
November 2021 - March 2022

Gladiola holds a Bachelor’s of Law degree from Luarasi University and is particularly focused on EU and International law. Her academic background varies from law to psychology, social care and the intersection of these disciplines. In addition, throughout her studies Gladiola has participated in moot courts and trainings focused on human rights issues on a national and international level. As an active member of UN Youth Association Albania, she has conceptualized, coordinated and implemented various activities targeting youth issues and global challenges with a focal point on local communities. Currently, Gladiola is part of the FutureGov Fellows 2021 at the Center for Policy Innovation. Gladiola is an avid activist of various social issues, particularly gender equality and disability rights, volunteering for the Down Syndrome Albania Foundation. She is passionate about writing and research on citizen engagement, democratic processes and policy-making. Gladiola speaks English and Albanian.

Jasna Becker
October 2021 - December 2021

Jasna is an intern from Germany. She completed her Bachelor's degree of Cultural Studies in 2018 and continued with the same course in her masters, which is still ongoing. Her field of interest lies in intercultural initiatives and projects. She has been part of different German-Kenyan cooperation which focused on the exchange of ideas and intercultural understanding. Her motivation to join EMA for an internship was to explore a more political and Europe-based work field, which also involves intercultural communication and coordination as different interests come together. Jasna speaks German, English and Spanish.

Isabell Kozlowski
October 2021 – December 2021

Isabell holds a Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology and is currently finishing her Master’s degree in Cultural Studies at the University of Leipzig in Germany. Since the studies encompasses many different disciplines, she has focused on the field of migration. During her work with refugees and their integration into Germany, she developed an interest in the policy-making of the European Union and its consequences for the migration process. Through the internship at EMA, she hopes to gain a deeper understanding of the operations and mechanisms of the EU, as well as gain insights into the work of a NGO. Isabell speaks German, English, French and has basic knowledge of Indonesian and Spanish.

Agri Hysenj
July 2021 - September  2021

Agri is on the verge of completing his bachelor’s degree studies in European Studies and Laws at Osnabruck University in Germany and plans in the future to pursue a master’s degree in European Governance. During his studies, he has mentored newly arrived international students and has also assisted as a translator at the Osnabruck city asylum center. During his studies, he has participated in two Simulation Models for the EU Institutions with the support of the Federal Agency for Political Education in Berlin. He was encouraged to become part of EMA given that the focus of his studies is the EU- and European Integration, a focus that is in accordance with EMA's mission. His main areas of interest are worker's rights, political activism in civil society, environmental protection politics, and geopolitics. He speaks Albanian, German, English, Italian and has basic knowledge of Spanish.

Miga Xhafa
June 2020 - February 2021

Miga Xhafa is currently pursuing her studies in Criminal Law, the Master of Science program at the University of Tirana. She has been a participant in several different organizations, activities where among them stands out the 3-month project with the theme " The United Nations Convention against Corruption, Global Corruption, Good Governance, Albania, Lebanon and the United States" in collaboration with Washington & Lee University in the USA, University of Tirana, La Sagesse University and Beirut Arab University of Lebanon. In this project she has presented various researches on the level of corruption in Albania and beyond. Followed by will and practicality, the desire to promote the fundamental rights and freedoms of the individual and to be closer to various European policies, in parallel with her studies, she is also engaged at the organization European Movement of Albania. Its interests remain in the field of European policies, practices and jurisprudence that the EU offers and their adaptation at the national level. Miga speaks Albanian, English and Turkish, and also has basic knowledge of German.

Marina Pilinçi
October 2020 - December 2020

Marina has a Bachelor degree in Law and is currently a student in the second year of the Master of Civil and Commercial Law at the University Luarasi, Tirana. During her studies she has shown interest especially in issues related to the European Union. These interests have been put into practice through participation in various workshops and presentations in student conferences related to the European Union and the Integration of Albania. She has also volunteered in many different activities mentioning the Europe Fair, Solidarity Action Day Movement In Europe (SAME) and European Union funded project as si E-Citizens-Albania in Europe.  Marina has completed a 3- month internship at the Albanian School of Public Administration (ASPA) as well as at the Commissioner for Protection against Discrimination. She is fluent in English and German and has a good knowledge of Italian.

Jonida Zaimi
October 2020 - March 2021

Jonida has just finished her studies in MSc Public Administration at the Faculty of Economics, University of Tirana. During her studies, she has been engaged in different internships and social activities. She has shown commitment, especially in environmental volunteering work and activism. Also, Jonida has contributed to the promotion of the buxhetim.al platform, which aims to involve more citizens in decision-making regarding urban development in some main cities. She is eager to know more about the Ngo's environment and Albanian Integration process in the EU. She speaks Albanian, English, Italian and has a basic knowledge of Spanish.

Burhan Guven
July 2020 - October 2020

Burhan graduated with a degree of BBA in Economics at Kennesaw State University which is located in Atlanta, USA. While completing his studies in the US, he took place in many volunteering events in which he contributed more than 80 hours for the time he’s been there. Burhan, during the August of 2017 started working as an student assistant for the department of Economics, Finance and Quantitative Analysis at Kennesaw State University, where he worked there until May 2018. There, Burhan assisted with tutoring other students, organizing the monthly curriculum of instructors, and last but not the least assisting instructors with their daily tasks. In December 2017, Burhan successfully completed a one-month accounting internship with a multi-million dollar company called Marel Inc. located in Seattle, Washington. There he assisted other accountants with daily reports, research, filing, data entry, and completing financial records. During his Junior year as a bachelor student, he got a job as an intern at a construction company called Builderstock which is located in Atlanta. There, he worked as an assistant for the Finance department, where he helped in daily tasks, project management and analyzing the market for decent offers for new projects done by the company. In his senior year, Burhan started his own company where he resold Apple products and, in the end, he successfully sold it before leaving the US. Burhan was also part of many events such as: project management and data analysis of different projects. Burhan is a trilingual, the languages are Albanian, English and Turkish.

Kristian Lika
June 2020 - August 2020