Monday, June 11, 2018

European integration and the expected decision to open negotiations was the focus of the third national course of the School of Political Studies. The training took place at the hotel "Bologna" in Vlora on 8-10 June 2018, with the presence of selected local and foreign lecturers.

The international security expert, Alexis Vahlas, was invited to the course with a view to addressing the new challenges facing the EU: Islamic radicalization, rising Russian influence and immigration waves. The discussion with the participants gave a clearer picture of the EU's internal problems as well as the possible measures to cope with these new risks, which have an impact on the wave of populism and the further closure of the EU.

Meanwhile, Mr. Gentian Elezi, director of the Agenda Institute and former Deputy Minister of Integration, presented Albania's road to the EU and the pre-accession mechanism together with forthcoming steps in opening negotiations with the European Union.

The topic of the right of information and protection of personal data, as an important criteria for European integration, were presented by the Commissioner for Right of Information and Protection of Personal Data, Mr. Besnik Dervishi. The discussion briefed participants not only on the strategies and level of their implementation, but also on practical cases of violation of these important rights by various institutions.

Another important topic, gender equality, but also linked to economic development, was presented by the gender policy expert, Mr. Rezart Xhelo, who is also an alumni of the School.