Friedrich Ebert Stiftung celebrates 20 years in Albania

TIRANA, Sept. 14 – The Friedrich Ebert Foundation celebrated this week its 20th anniversary in Albania in a ceremony bringing together politicians and NGO represe-ntatives. Speaking at the ceremony, Prime Minister Sali Berisha hailed the foundation’s contribution to the Albanian society after the collapse of the country’s communist regime.
“The Friedrich Ebert Foundation brought real contribution to promote dialogue and understanding in our country, but at the same time has contributed in many other fields such as legislation, education.” said Berisha. Opposition leader Edi Rama, also hailed the German foundation’s assistance to Albania during these 20 years of presence.
“Germany traditionally ranks among the first for the financial and technical support to our country and has never hesitated supporting Albania’s integration process into NATO and the European Union,” said Rama.
Alba Cela, the deputy director of House of Europe, says the Friedrich Ebert Foundation, has given precious contribution to Albania’s democratization processes and the development of the society during the past 20 years. European integration is another area FES is recently supporting Albania.
In Albania, FES started its activities in 1991 with a conference on democracy and market economy. “Democratic political institutions and the socio-economic development were and are the main topics of our activities. In cooperation with Albanian partner organizations, FES aims for the strengthening of a democratic political culture, a socially just and sustainable economic develo-pment where the interests and rights of the workers are protected and recognized, the establishment of functioning state structures and an active society.”