Sunday, November 15, 2020

The perspective of European Integration was at the main focus of the third national course of the School of Political Studies. The training took place in Tirana on November 13-14, in hybrid format, providing the opportunity for discussions with selected national and international lecturers.

The online debate with the global analyst Mr. Radu Magdin addressed the challenges facing the "European Union Enlargement Policy" as a result of the financial crisis, immigration and recently the pandemic. In addition, the models of the welfare state that orients the situation of COVID-19 were presented by the economics expert and the rector of the Mediterranean University, Mr. Adrian Civici. Albania's current path towards the EU, together with further steps in case of opening negotiations, were presented by Mr. Gledis Gjipali, director of the European Movement in Albania.

On the second day of the course, the issue of economic benefits and costs as a result of integration were discussed with Mr. Gentian Elezi, director of the Agenda Institute and former Deputy Minister of Integration. The last session, under the guidance of the international expert of EURALIUS and the former Deputy Minister of Justice, Mr. Idlir Peçi, focused on the justice reform as a precondition for completing Chapter 24, but also improving the functioning of the rule of law in the country.
 
The School program is implemented this year with the support of the Council of Europe and the Open Society Foundation Albania as well as a collaboration with the project "Strong Municipalities" of Helvetas-Swiss Intercooperation Albania, to support five municipal council participants.