Friday, December 09, 2011

The European Parliament Delegation for Relations with South-East Europe held today a debate with participants of the Albanian School of Political Studies. MEPs Eduard Kukan (Head of Delegation), Victor Bostinaru (Vice / Chairman) and members Tanja Fajon, Stanimir Ilchev, Michail Tremopoulos, discussed with the participants of the School the challenges and the prospects of Albania’s European integration, at an important moment for the country’s progress in this regard. H.E Mr. Ettore Sequi, Head of the EU delegation in Tirana, emphasised the importance of the participation of new leaders in Albanian politics. Messrs. Kukan and Bostinaru welcomed the participants of the School of Political Studies for their interest in subjects related to the EU and European integration processes and, together with other members of the EP delegation answered a number of questions addressed by the School’s participants. The debate led to a reflection and exchange of views on the impact of the current economic challenges in the EU but also on the enlargement process and democratic development in the Western Balkan countries. In addition, the discussions touched upon the prospects of Albanian democracy and its capacity to comply with the obligations of EU membership. The meeting, organised in cooperation with the EU Delegation in Tirana, took place in the premises of the EU Information Centre in Tirana. The Albanian School of Politics was established in 2007. Its mission is to foster a modern political culture based on the shared values of pluralism, tolerance and open dialogue, thus encouraging the emergence of a community of young political and civic leaders, dedicated to implement a contemporary democratic model of government. The Programme of the School of Political Studies is currently implemented with the h financial support of Swiss Cooperation Office in Albania.