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In Tirana, the tenth edition of the European Integration School has begun, gathering representatives from the administration, non-profit organizations, business, media, and universities. During one week, they will have the opportunity to learn more about EU policies and institutions, as well as the process of Albania’s integration into the EU, actively contributing to it.
The Ambassador of the European Union Delegation in Tirana, Silvio Gonzato, present at the opening ceremony of the school, emphasized that maintaining the pace of reforms remains essential for Albania’s objective of closing the negotiation chapters by 2027.
The ambassador highlighted the importance of public administration in this process.
“Now is the time that Albania needs you. Your country will need your expertise, skills, and knowledge. The effectiveness of these negotiations depends on the sufficient presence of qualified and motivated staff in all key institutions. Investing in people is essential to build a professional, sustainable, and capable civil service, ready to meet Albania’s commitments to the EU. The European Union is fully committed to supporting Albania, ensuring that it has the necessary structures, skills, and sustainability to fulfill its commitments to the EU,” said EU Ambassador Silvio Gonzato.
According to Ambassador Gonzato, Albania is entering a crucial phase of the membership process that follows the opening of all cluster chapters.
“This is why the report states that Albania must maintain and even accelerate the pace of these reforms. This is necessary if Albania is to meet its ambitious goal of concluding negotiations by the end of 2027,” added Gonzato.
The Chairman of the Assembly of Albania, Niko Peleshi, for his part, appreciated the importance of the European integration school, citing as an argument that this year’s edition has attracted a record number of applications, 430 applications, twice as many as last year.
Peleshi emphasized that Albania’s journey towards the EU is a long-standing national aspiration. “We are working every day to make membership a reality. This progress fills us with optimism but at the same time reminds us of the responsibility we have ahead,” he said.
The 10th edition of the European Integration School is organized by the Assembly of Albania, the National Council for European Integration, in partnership with the Open Society Foundation for Albania (OSFA), the European Union Delegation, and the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Foundation. (November 11)