Gonzato: Helping Albania with employment and social dialogue through the EU Growth Plan

The second high-level meeting “Albania 2030 in the EU – The Road of Reforms” was held in Tirana, attended by the highest state authorities of Albania as well as representatives of the Diplomatic Corps.

The European Union Ambassador in Tirana, Silvio Gonzato, stated during his speech at the meeting titled “Social Dialogue in the Western Balkan Countries” that the European Union supports social policies in Albania.

According to him, social policies should be in focus, as there is insecurity regarding employment among young people, considering their desire to emigrate.

“Social dialogue plays a role in the health of Albania and is an important part of social and employment policies, which are also part of group-chapter number 3 that will open very soon,” said Gonzato.

Another concern, emphasized Gonzato, “is the quality of education. But corruption is also a major obstacle for young people to realize their dreams.”

According to him, there is a lack of a merit-based system.

“We need a more meaningful social dialogue. Often NGOs are in a better position than officials to talk to young people,” said Ambassador Gonzato.

“The European Union is by your side to help you with employment and social dialogue, through the Growth Plan, which addresses socio-economic issues in Albania, but also in the Western Balkans as a whole,” said Gonzato.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Edi Rama said at the meeting that Albania’s integration into the European Union is a necessity that separates it from the shadows of the past.

Rama emphasized that the country must take advantage of the current opportunity to close negotiations by 2027.

“For us Albanians, being a member of the EU means being free from the shadow of our history and being ultimately secure that our individual freedom and equality before the law, for which we are making this great effort, will no longer be a movable attribute depending on who governs here in Tirana,” noted Rama.

The Prime Minister emphasized the reforms that Albania is implementing. Mentioning progress in the fight against corruption and good governance, Rama stressed that the negotiation process has now entered a more advanced phase.

Rama declared that “Albania has only one choice, only one plan, one road that is the European Union.”

High-ranking officials of Albanian institutions also discussed at the meeting, such as the Speaker of Parliament Elisa Spiropali and the chairman of the Special Anti-Corruption Commission, Fatmir Xhafaj. (April 4)