Shqip
English
On January 28, 2025, in the premises of the University of Elbasan “Aleksandër Xhuvani”, a discussion forum was held organised by the European Movement in Albania (EMA) in cooperation with this university, on key topics of Chapters 23 and 24 of the European integration process. The discussions were based on the last articles published in the online magazine “EuroSpeak” as the first magazine in the Albanian language that deals with issues of European integration, created by the European Movement in Albania in 2011.
Prof. Assoc. Dr. Lenida Lekli, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, University of Elbasan “Aleksandër Xhuvani”, emphasized the importance of such forums to encourage public debates on the process of European integration, appreciating the commitment of students and academic staff. She also underlined the importance of having discussions in interdisciplinary fields, mainly with students who are enrolled in study programs that are not directly related to the European integration process or other issues focusing on the European Union and its legislation. These discussions will increase the capacities of students and other actors, and will help them better understand the challenges facing our European journey.
Ermelinda Muçaj, Project Officer, European Movement in Albania, also presented the need to engage as vitally as possible in initiatives that are undertaken within the European integration process, mainly by civil society organisations, whose focus lies in increasing capacities in this field. She emphasized that the online magazine “EuroSpeak” serves as a platform for increasing the dialogue on these issues, which should have more coverage by all actors involved in the negotiation process. Further, she emphasized that EuroSpeak has covered the lack of opinions and the extent of expertise in the Albanian language in comprehensive pillars included in the magazine such as social and economic aspects, soft power, enlargement, issues from Albania, etc., and its authors include young professionals, providing a research space for them.
Dr. Eriada Çela, Lecturer, Faculty of Humanities, University of Elbasan “Aleksandër Xhuvani”, presented her article on careless language in the media and feminist pedagogy, highlighting the disturbing normalisation of gender stereotypes and violent language in the media. She emphasized the power of language in shaping perceptions and the need for more responsibility in media communication. She mentioned the law of the right to be forgotten, which guarantees the deletion of outdated data that harms individuals’ integration into society, especially after they have been involved in scenes of violence that spoil their image. Also, victims of crime should enjoy the full right to familiarise themselves with and be included in the labour market or other environments in which they wish to participate actively. This right is often violated by the media, especially the online ones, which do not respect journalistic ethics, since the reporting of cases of violence in the media is accompanied by the names and photos of the victims. In the same way, the non-treatment of gender inequality in Albania in education is an extreme deficiency, emphasized Çela. Therefore, it is considered necessary to incorporate feminist pedagogy in school textbooks and not only, but also in non-formal education, to turn society into an equal environment.
Dr. Joana Kosho, Lecturer, Faculty of Humanities, University of Elbasan “Aleksandër Xhuvani”, addressed the issue of the migration and asylum pact, approved by the European Commission, analysing whether this pact offers a sustainable solution for the waves of immigrants or remains an internal EU crisis management instrument. This pact brings a series of new rules that serve to manage the internal and external borders of the EU, mainly for countries under “migratory pressure”. Furthermore, it raised questions about the sustainability of European solidarity and its impact on humanitarian solutions for migrants, as some states may consider it more reasonable to provide financial solidarity instead of accepting asylum seekers on their territory. This means that member states will continue to try to keep their borders closed, preventing people from applying for asylum. This is also thanks to the growth of far-right parties in many states of the Union. In conclusion, she emphasized that it seems as if the pact is an attempt to resolve the grievances of these skeptical parties rather than protect the rights of migrants and refugees and manage the ongoing crisis.
Dr. Lulzim Hoxha, Lecturer, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Tirana, presented his article on the education system in Albania and the “brain drain” phenomenon, underlining that the mass departure of young professionals is creating a domino cycle that harms the development of country. Hoxha added that the results of the 2023 Census showed that, in addition to the decrease in the number of the population, the phenomenon of migration is particularly present among young people, where the number of the population aged 15-29 dropped by approximately 17%. The high percentage of youth unemployment clearly shows the gap between the number of graduates and the real needs of the labour market, which further stimulates the desire of young people to leave the country. Hoxha further emphasized that one of the main reasons why young people leave the country en masse is the lack of funds for education. Therefore, he proposed solutions such as increasing investments in education; increasing the interaction between educational institutions and the private sector so that the knowledge that is acquired in the classroom to be widely used in the labour market; the creation of joint Erasmus programs with Western Balkan universities and concrete initiatives for “brain gain” to the country. The participants emphasized the importance of concrete measures to curb the mass brain drain, suggesting the improvement of opportunities for education and employment within the country. Also, the influence of language and mediatisation on social perceptions was underlined, where special emphasis was given to the need for media actors to be aware of the use of careful language. The discussions also touched on the challenge of managing the increase in the number of immigrants in Albania, proposed humane approach and sustainable solutions for their integration in Albanian society.
*This discussion forum is held within the framework of the project “Building Partnership on Fundamentals: Empowered CSOs in the EU Accession Process,” with financial support from the European Union – IPA Civil Society Facility 2021. The project is implemented by the European Movement in Albania in cooperation with the Academy of European Integration and Negotiations (AIEN), the Slovak Foreign Policy Association (SFPA), and the Center for Transparency and Freedom of Information (CTFI).
