End of local policy forums on challenges of EU integration

TIRANA, July 9 – With the purpose of discussing the anticipated positive and negative effects of Albania’s EU integration process, eight OSCE-supported forums were recently held with local communities around Albania, the last of which ended Wednesday.
The Albanian Parliament and the OSCE Presence in Albania, with the support of the European Movement Albania, organized the forums, which brought together members of Parliament and local authorities.
“Now, it is up to the Members of Parliament to engage ministers and other stakeholders in debates on concrete solutions and follow-up policies on the matters raised during the forums,” said head of the OSCE in Tirana, Ambassador Robert Bosch.
Topicsdiscussed during the meetings included the need for a clearer vision on secondary professional education, especially in rural areas. Participants also said it was important to identify and reduce factors that prevent businesses from flourishing. They concluded that corruption, an inefficient market, weak infrastructure and lack of professional development programmes were part of this problem.
Local authorities participating in the forums also stressed the need for stronger support for the drafting of regional policies – particularly to promote agricultural products and to fight pollution. They also underlined the need for an appropriate fishery strategy.
The forums, lead by members of the Parliamentary Committee on European Integration, were held in Shkodra, Peshkopi, Lushnje, Durres, Elbasan, Burrel, Berat and Vlora.
The OSCE Presence co-organized the forums as part of a project to support the parliament. It will continue to assist the Albanian Assembly’s efforts to play an active role in the implementation of the EU Stabilization and Association Agreement.