Wednesday, May 06, 2009
The Albanian School of Political Studies conducted its 3rd and final national course for 2009, “Western Balkans and European Integration”, during 1 – 3 May 2009 in Vlora.
Due to the paramount importance to both country and region’s development perspectives the study of European integration issues has become central at the ASPS. The aim of the 3rd course was to enhance the knowledge and the understanding of the School participants on the European integration process and the EU enlargement as its inherent part. To this end, the course was envisaged as a three-stage study session, with the first stage focusing on the current integration phase of European Union as an entity sui-generis, while the second and the third stages narrowing the focus of study on the EU integration policies and mechanisms, in the SEE region and Albania respectively.
Among the highlights of the course were discussions on the political and technical conditionality of EU’s accession vis-à-vis SEE countries, as enacted by the Stabilisation and Association Agreement, process’ ownership of the SEE countries, including Albania, and their compliance with the requirements of the SAA, and a role play on Turkey’s bid for EU accession.
The course’s sessions were moderated and conducted by Albanian and foreign experts such as: Mr Tomas Bertin, political advisor of the French Representation to the European Commission’s Political and Military Affairs Committee, Dr. Alexis Vahlas, senior political advisor at NATO Headquarters in Naples and lecturer of international law, Dr Judith Hoffman, expert of EU’s integration of South-Eastern Europe and lecture at the Free University Berlin, Mr Ylli Cabiri, expert of EU economic affairs, Mr Ditmir Bushati, Director of the European Movement Albania and Mr Arben Kashahu Secretary general of the Ministry of European Integration.
In the framework of extracurricular activities, the School organised several trips at nearby touristic sites in Vlora, including among others a trip to the Castle of Kanina, recognised as part of Albania’s cultural inheritance.
