“Young Generations and United Europe” gathered together today at the COD, in a dialogue with young people, academics, politicians and diplomats, Member of the European Parliament, Tanja Fajon and Prime Minister Edi Rama. The meeting was moderated by students of excellence, political science and journalism.
The young generations and their role in the United Europe of today and tomorrow, the challenges on the path towards the EU and other issues were the focus of this dialogue.
Ms Fajon, who has held several posts in the EP, among which that of reporter on the process of visa liberalization in the Western Balkans, which gave Albania the right to circulate freely in the Schengen area, said that Albania has made a significant progress. Whereas the challenges that Europe is facing today, from economy to terrorism, are challenges that require cooperation among the countries.
“You know that we live in very difficult times. I travelled today from Brussels 9 hours, because our airport is still closed due to terrorist attacks, and what is happening is really shocking. Europe has been undergoing one crisis after another for several years now. Our common challenges, such as terrorism, economic crisis or youth unemployment, must be faced together. I hope Albania will mark a real good year in terms of its progress towards the EU. You achieved significant results in the past year.”
Ms Fajon believes that Albania and Europe need each other, and expressed her commitment to continue supporting the next stage of the European integration of Albania. “We are trying to support you together with our colleagues in the European Parliament for the opening of negotiations. In my opinion Albania has always been part of Europe and it will always be part of Europe. We need Albania, and we need each other, and this is why I strongly believe that we should put much effort, especially for the young generations because they deserve the best. It is them who will shape the fates of our countries in the future. If the young generations of your country have a vision, this means that your country has a future. For this reason, we are working hard in the European Parliament to promote the potentials of young people.”
According to the Prime Minister, Albania has undergone colossal changes in the last 25 years, but they haven’t always been for good, because they have also caused major damages to the country. “What this unsustainable development has been really lacking was a well-oriented endeavour to build sustainable institutions. The fact that today, after 25 years, we are all involved with such a great necessity and so many domestic needs, and internal distress of our people, in the justice reform, tells clearly what we lack. And what we lack in the justice system is what we generally lack in every system that makes the Albanian state function.”
The Prime Minister continued saying that it is his firm belief that the positive nature of growth is determined by two factors, the capacity of the Albanians to dare and to project the future with increased courage, and the fact that Albania is a country in the heart of Europe and is committed to the integration process. “Without the integration process, it would have been impossible for Albania to take the steps it has taken so far, and it would have been impossible for the country to aim to become a modern country and build a normal state. The process of integration is the only and irreplaceable instrument that our society needs to become a modern state. Because it is the only instrument that can keep Albania focused on a great purpose, despite all fluctuations, despite all the energy wasted and despite all natural conflicts, which we exaggerate in an unnatural way, and we will continue united in this process.”
According to Prime Minister Rama, the European project is first of all a project of the young. “If we have today a young generation that is oriented to the good of our society and of our societies in the region, this is due to Europe, to the European Union, because it is a great force of attraction that creates perspective.” Had it not been for the EU – the Prime Minister continued – peace in the Balkans would not have been achieved. “It is the EU that makes all the parties aware that it is the path of tomorrow, and that makes the path to peace much easier. Likewise, it largely depends on the EU how the current history of Europe will develop and how much our future will be a better one. For this reason, the European project is a project of the youth in the first place.”
In the end, a shared message was conveyed about the necessity to have the young people more actively involved in the social life. “It is you who will shape the future of your country. This is why we need you now”- Fajon said.
“We have launched “Fresh Voice”, a competition for young people who want to try their skills to be leaders. We have received 2.100 applications so far. It is a unique opportunity for many young people who are looking for a way, a chance and a moment to be heard”- Prime Minister Rama said, adding that this way the young people can use politics as a space to have their voices heard, to convey their ideas and have an impact.
