SUMMER SCHOOL
TRAINING ON INCREASING CAPACITIES OF YOUNG POLITICIANS TOWARDS EUROPEAN INTEGRATION
5 – 11 SEPTEMBER 2004, Chateau Linza Resort
Albanian Center for Peace and Disarmament Education
Financial support received from:
UNITED STATES EMBASSY Tirana, Albania
INDEX
- Programme of the Summer School
- Description of activities, presentations, lectors
- Evaluation of the Summer School from participants
- Conclusions and Follow up
PROGRAMME OF THE SUMMER SCHOOL
05 September 2004
18.00 PM - 19.00 PM Opening of the Summer School and Cocktail
19.00 PM - 20.00 PM Presentation of the training course, Objectives and Aims
20.00 PM Dinner
06 September 2004
09.00 AM -10.30 AM. Presentation from Mr. Elton Skëndaj M.A.: Participation of Youth in Public Life: Democracy in Action
10.30 AM - 11.00 AM Coffee break
11.00 AM -12.00 AM Continuation of the presentation from Mr. Elton Skëndaj
12.00 AM - 14.00 PM Lunch
14.00 PM - 15.30 PM Presentation from Mr. Adri Nurellari M.A: The Albanian issue in the region – Political-Economical Overview
15.30 PM - 16.00 PM Coffee break
16.00 PM - 17.00 PM Continuation of the presentation from Mr. Adri Nurellari M.A.
17.00 PM - 17.15 PM Discussions and closing remarks for the day
20.00 PM Dinner
07 September 2004
09.00 AM -10.30 AM Presentation from Mr. Gerti Veshaj: The right to Democracy in the Globalized world
10.30 AM - 11.00 AM Coffee break
11.00 AM -12.00 AM Continuation of the presentation from Mr. Gerti Veshaj
12.00 AM - 14.00 PM Lunch
14.00 PM - 15.30 PM Presentation from Mr. Blendi Kajsiu M.A.: The Political Integration of Albania in the European Union
15.30 PM - 16.00 PM Coffee break
16.00 PM - 17.00 PM Continuation of the presentation from Mr. Blendi Kajsiu M.A.
17.00 PM - 17.15 PM Discussions and closing remarks for the day
20.00 PM Dinner
08 September 2004
09.00 AM -10.30 AM Presentation from Mr. Genci Kojdheli LL.M.: Separation of powers: Does democracy work in Albania?
10.30 AM - 11.00 AM Coffee break
11.00 AM -12.00 AM Continuation of presentation from Mr. Genci Kojdheli LL.M.
12.00 AM - 14.00 PM Lunch
14.00 PM - 15.30 PM Presentation from Mr. Jordan Daci M.A.: Organized Crime and the European Union, the case of Albania
15.30 PM - 16.00 PM Coffee break
16.00 PM - 17.30 PM Presentation from Mrs. Helga Vukaj: The Stabilization-Association Agreement, the asymmetry in its implementation
17.30 PM - 17.45 PM Discussions and closing remarks for the day
20.00 PM Dinner
09 September 2004
09.00 AM -10.30 AM Presentation from Mr. Elton Skendaj MA: Conflict resolution in the Albanian Public Sphere: Lessons on Transforming and Preventing Conflicts
10.30 AM - 11.00 AM Coffee break
11.00 AM -12.00 AM Continuation of presentation from Mr. Elton Skendaj MA
12.00 AM - 14.00 PM Lunch
14.00 PM - 15.30 PM Presentation from Mr. Blendi Kajsiu MA: The legislative process in Albania
15.30 PM - 16.00 PM Coffee break
16.00 PM - 17.00 PM Continuation of presentation from Mr. Blendi Kajsiu MA
17.00 PM - 17.15 PM Discussions and closing remarks for the day
20.00 PM Dinner
10 September 2004
09.00 AM -10.30 AM Presentation from Mr. Genci Kojdheli LL.M.: The Social Contract: State vs. the Individual
10.30 AM - 11.00 AM Coffee break
11.00 AM -12.00 AM Presentation from Mrs. Marjola Xhelili: The main development agendas in Albania; NSSED/SAP/MDG
12.00 AM - 14.00 PM Lunch
14.00 PM - 15.30 PM Presentation from Mr. Gerti Veshaj: Good governance and public efficiency
15.30 PM - 16.00 PM Coffee break
16.00 PM - 17.30 PM Presentation from Mr. Henri Çili MA: The electoral system and its importance in the framework of the electoral campaign
17.30 PM - 17.45 PM Discussions and closing remarks for the day
20.00 PM Dinner
11 September 2004
09.00 AM -10.30 AM Action Plans for new politicians
10.30 AM - 11.00 AM Coffee Break
11.00 AM -12.00 AM Formal Evaluation of the training course
12.00 AM -12.30 PM Conclusions and Follow-up
12.30 AM - 14.00 PM Lunch
14.00 PM Closing ceremony of the Summer School, distribution of Certificates
14.30 PM Departure of participants
Description of activities, presentations, lectors
Sunday 05 September 2004
Opening of Summer School/Presentation of Training Course, Objectives, Aims
The organizing team picked up the participants in Tirana’s Mother Teresa square. After arriving in Chateau Linza Resort the participants were accommodated and at late afternoon Sunday 05th of September, was held the opening ceremony of the Summer School. A short description of the agenda was made, highlighting the Objectives and Aims of the event.
Participants expressed their interest for the topics to be presented, as well as indicated their expectations for the training course such as:
- Increase their knowledge on the European Integration process.
- Get a broader understanding on the concepts of Democracy, the Rule of Law.
- Be proactive in a politically pluralist environment, through exchanging ideas and opinions with representatives from other political forces.
- Receive a view of the Albanian political scene as seen from researchers and scholars and use this information as a comparison reference.
- Increase networking skills and capacities.
- Incorporate the acquired information in their political activities.
Monday 06 September 2004
The first day morning session started with the presentation of Mr. Elton Skëndaj M.A “Participation of Youth in Public Life: Democracy in Action”.
According to demographic data, Albania has one of the youngest populations in Europe. According to INSTAT, some 50% of the Albanian population is under 25 years old. The presentation of Mr. Skendaj focused on the methods to include the Albanian youth into the democratic processes that the country is undergoing.
Mr. Skendaj placed prominence to the participation of youth, presenting a Model of Youth Participation and displaying characteristics of such participation; different levels of participation would increase the power of experience through new responsibilities; decentralization of the power dynamics to the youth organization branches.
Mr. Skendaj continued with the concrete actions to be taken for increasing the participation of youth such as the non-violent activist movements, communications with the wider public; groups representation; public symbolic activities, public gathering, methods of social non-collaboration, civil boycott, strikes etc. Mr. Skendaj concuded by stating that… youth has inherently the dynamism and desire to fulfill its wishes. Participation in decision-making and concrete action will increase the youth experience and gradually will prepare them as a democratic citizenry.
Mr. Elton Skendaj has a BA from the American University of Bulgaria and a MA degree from the University of Notre Dame, USA. He is currently the Executive Manager of Peace and Education Project as well as the Director of the Albanian Center for Peace and Disarmament Education. He has also served as a Lector near the Faculty of Social Science, Department of Political Science.
The afternoon session continued with the presentation of Mr. Adri Nurellari M.A “The Albanian issue in the region – Political & Economical Overview”.
The presentation of Mr. Adri Nurellari tried to put some light on the implications of the Albanian issue in the region and the ramifications of the regional reality for the accession of Albania in the EU. The presentation initiated with the idea that the Albanian issue is a regional one, thus viewing the entire situation in a regional rather than national standpoint. Through a geo-political approach, focusing on the interests and policies of the EU in the Balkans generally, and in Albania specifically, Mr. Nurellari described the reality, challenges, obligations and difficulties that Albania is facing in her shift towards being a member of the greater EU community.
The discussion was carefully listened and participants actively involved themselves through debates, questions and deliberations.
Mr. Adri Nurellari holds a BA in History from the University of Tirana and a MA in European Studies from the University of Cambridge in UK. He has worked with IOM Albania on the elaboration of the new Strategy on Migration and is currently a Lector near the Faculty of History/Journalism.
The first day was closed with the closing remarks for the day from the organizing team. Mr. Gerti Veshaj did a resume of the main topics/information.
Tuesday 07 September 2004
The second day session started with the presentation of Mr. Gerti Veshaj “The right to Democracy in the Globalized world”.
Mr. Veshaj’s presentation focused on the repercussions, problems, possibilities and potentials that arise for democracy in a globalized world. After presenting shortly the idea of globalization in economical, legal and human rights terms, Mr. Veshaj initiated an open discussion on the changing of democratic standards and structures in the framework of globalization dynamics. Then the presentation continued explaining such consequences and opportunities in the Albanian context. The discussion became more active during the group work session, where the participants were asked to identify and display their idea of democracy and its elements.
Mr. Gerti Veshaj holds a BA in Political Sciences from the University of Bari, Italy, and is currently a lector of Theories of Democracy, near the Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Political Science.
The afternoon session continued with the presentation of Mr. Blendi Kajsiu M.A “The Political Integration of Albania in the European Union”.
Mr. Kajsiu’s presentation focused on displaying the process of the Integration of Albania in the EU. Mr. Kajsiu initiated with analyzing what integration means in political, economical, legal and societal terms. Based on several studies, Mr. Kajsiu displayed some of the perceptions that exist amid the Albanian populace on the integration process and consequently on obligations, benefits, reforms to be undertaken and so forth. This section of the presentation also analyzed the work and engagement of several interested actors in the process such as the Government (public Administration), businesses, media, civil society and the population at large. Using data collected through a survey performed from the Institute for International Studies, Mr. Kajsiu clearly displayed the fact that achieving European Integration standards remains a duty to be carried from the Albanian political classes, businesses and the entire country and it is not a responsibility of the EU. The survey charted the feedback into four clusters; businesses, civil society, public administration, and media.
Mr. Kajsiu continued by emphasizing the importance of the information in regards to the integration process. The information should be free to be accessed from everyone and should not be manipulated or used for propagandistic purposes. Also relevant is the mentioning of the importance of the real costs of integration. In addition, Mr. Kajsiu mentioned the paramount importance of the work to be done from the government and all state structures to comply with association standards.
The presentation finished with the following conclusions:
- EU Integration is a means and not an objective per se.
- Well-being, stability, economic development and democratization are objectives.
- There exists the necessity to demystify the EU integration.
- Integration begins in Tirana and finishes in Brussels.
- The EU is in a constant changing process.
Mr. Blendi Kajsiu has a BA from the American University of Bulgaria and a MA degree from the University of Notre Dame, USA. He has been a researcher for the Institute for International Studies and now works with the International Republican Institute in Albania. He is also a lector in the Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Political Sciences, in the University of Tirana, Albania.
The second day was closed with the closing remarks for the day from the organizing team. Mr. Gerti Veshaj did a resume of the main topics/information.
08 September 2004
The morning session started with the presentation of Mr. Genci Kojdheli LL.M “Separation of powers: Does democracy work in Albania?”
In his presentation, Mr. Kojdheli described theoretically and practically the many theories on the separation of powers. An historical overview of the theoretic approaches was made including analysis of authors like Hobbes, Rousseau, Locke, Montesquieu and Kant. Then the lector and the participants discussed on the application of the notion of the Separation of powers in a democratic society. It was explained the notion of Checks & Balances in the framework of the Albanian constitution. The discussion continued with deliberations from the lector and the participants on the status of democracy in Albania as well as the repercussions of a globalized world on democratic values and principles.
The second part of the presentation dealt with good governance and democracy in the Albanian context. An analysis of the relationship between legislative, executive and judiciary was made and the implications that originate in abuses with this authority. A brief analysis of the importance of free and fair elections was added in the presentation. This particular topic generated heated discussion among participants, particularly between those representing position and opposition parties. Nevertheless, when asked about the level of democracy in Albania, all participants agreed that much has still to be done in achieving the Constitutional and EU required standard.
The last part of the presentation dealt with the causes, consequences and eventual paths of action in regards to the plague of corruption that particularly damages Albania in the EU integration processes.
Mr. Genci Kojdheli has a BA in Law from the University of Tirana and a LL.M in International & European Protection of Human Rights from the University of Utrecht, the Netherlands. Mr. Kojdheli works with UNDP Albania and has served as a lector of Human Rights near the Faculty of Law in the University of Tirana, Albania.
The afternoon session continued with the presentation of Mr. Jordan Daci M.A “Organized Crime and the European Union, the case of Albania”.
Mr. Daci initiated his presentation by generically defining the concept of Organized Crime. Then Mr. Daci went on describing the conception of the connections and intertwined existence of organized crime and the state as well as an overview of the situation of organized crime in Europe and in particular in Albania.
Mr. Daci presented the international and regional engagements that Albania has ratified and signed in the field of combating organized crime, having a focus on the agreements with the EU such as the Stability Pact and SAA. Mr. Daci displayed the importance of fulfilling the obligations laid out in the agreements, presenting them in the prospective of political criteria, economical criteria and the obligations and consequences that source from EU membership.
Mr. Daci continued explaining in detail the structure and work of institutions such as EUROJUST and EUROPOL as well as presenting more deeply the part of the Stability Pact that deals with organized crime. Additionally was presented the progress made from Albania in this direction. In the end Mr. Daci answered to questions raised from the participants.
Mr. Jordan Daci has a BA in Law from the University of Tirana and a M.A in Criminal Law. He is currently working as a Jurist in the Foreign Relations Department of the Albanian Ministry of Finance.
The late afternoon session continued with the presentation of Ms. Helga Vukaj M.A “The Stabilization-Association Agreement, the asymmetry in its implementation”.
Ms. Vukaj presented an in-depth analysis of the Stabilization and Association Agreement, focusing on the obligations arising for Albania when adapting the legal and economical structures to the Acquis Communautaire of the EU.
Ms. Vukaj started by displaying the aims and objectives as well as characteristics of SAA in a wide EU perspective focusing on the Liberalization of Trade Exchanges, Freedom of Movement for people and capital, Incorporation of EU legislation into the Albanian system, Cooperation in the priority fields etc. After this broad perspective, the lector went on discussing the Asymmetry in the implementation of the SAA in the Albanian context. The asymmetry was presented in the terms of circulation of goods, creation of the economic and political stability of the candidate country, as well as the financial assistance granted to the candidate country. Ms. Vukaj went on in details, discussing the asymmetric characteristics related to freedom of movements, industrial and agricultural products, the welfare system and public procurement.
Ms. Helga Vukaj has a BA in Law from the University of Tirana and a M.A in International Studies from Bocconi University in Italy. She currently works as Juridical Consultant near the Presidency of the Republic of Albania.
The third day was closed with closing remarks for the day from the organizing team. Mr. Genci Kojdheli did a resume of the main topics/information.
09 September 2004
The morning session started with the presentation of Mr. Elton Skendaj MA “Conflict resolution in the Albanian Public Sphere: Lessons on Transforming and Preventing Conflicts” (See ANNEX I of presentations Entry VIII a & b).
Mr. Skendaj presented a comprehensive examination of the work that it is being done from different actors in Albania for the resolution, transformation and prevention of conflicts. Firstly he described the situation of conflicts in Albania, presenting figures and updated information.
He continued emphasizing on the behaviors and attitudes of different strata of the Albanian society and identifying the widespread usage of the win-loose model. He mentioned that the Albanian public tends to view the public sphere as homogenous, for example; everyone is corrupted, all are driven from private interests etc. As a consequence generating apathy and irresponsibility of the main actors of the public sphere. Mr. Skendaj continued presenting the following questions for discussion:
What roles political parties have in educating the public on the social problems?
What changes would you like to contribute personally?
In the end of the presentation, Mr. Skendaj displayed the following recommendations:
- Introduction of curricula of peace education, citizenry and human rights in the elementary and high schools as an inseparable part of the formation of children.
- The above-mentioned education is achieved in the formal and informal levels also for adults through normal education in universities as well as through training, seminars, workshops etc.
Mr. Elton Skendaj has a BA from the American University of Bulgaria and a MA degree from the University of Notre Dame, USA. He is currently the Executive Manager of Peace and Education Project as well as the Director of the Albanian Center for Peace and Disarmament Education. He has also served as a Lector near the Faculty of Social Science, Department of political science.
The afternoon session continued with the presentation of Mr. Blendi Kajsiu M.A “The Legislative process in Albania”.
Mr. Kajsiu started his presentation through displaying different governing systems applied around the world, such as the Presidential System (the US), the Presidential –Parliamentary (France) and the Pure Parliamentary System (Albania). He showed the different power dynamics in each of the systems, and focused on the Albanian parliamentary democracy, exhibiting the different decision making structures, the commissions, the legislative process explored meticulously etc. The presentation continued with explaining the different stages of drafting, approving, amending and abrogating a law, as well as the different influencing methods that members of Parliament, the Government and other actors have on such process.
Mr. Blendi Kajsiu has a BA from the American University of Bulgaria and a MA degree from the University of Notre Dame, USA. He has been a researcher for the Institute for International Studies and now works with the International Republican Institute in Albania. He is also a lector in the Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Political Sciences, in the University of Tirana, Albania.
The fourth day was closed with closing remarks for the day from the organizing team. Mr. Genci Kojdheli did a resume of the main topics/information.
10 September 2004
The morning session started with the presentation of Mr. Genci Kojdheli LL.M. “The Social Contract: State vs. the Individual”.
The presentation of Mr. Kojdheli focused on a theoretical approach of the Social Contract. After displaying the classical views on the issue, such as those expressed from philosophers and theoreticians like Hobbes, Rousseau and Rawls on the dynamics that take place between the masses and the ruling elected institutions and structures the presentation attempted to display the concepts and structures that form the social contract and subsequently the institutions that are created from such contract and the characteristics of these institutions. The lector continued by analyzing the principles of justice, fairness, priority and equality within the democratic systems, arguing the interdependence that democracy has with human rights, ethics, morals and equality principles.
Despite being theoretical and academic, the presentation created many discussions among the participants, particularly on the role that the state should play in implementing the social contract, the obligations and rights of the citizens and the application of the moral and legal standards and principles.
Mr. Genci Kojdheli has a BA in Law from the University of Tirana and a LL.M in International & European Protection of Human Rights from the University of Utrecht, the Netherlands. Mr. Kojdheli works with UNDP Albania and has served as a lector of Human Rights near the Faculty of Law in the University of Tirana, Albania.
The second part of the morning session continued with the presentation of Ms. Marjola Xhelili “The main development agendas in Albania; NSSED/SAP/MDG”.
Ms. Xhelili presented in details the three main development agendas being implemented currently in Albania the Millennium Development Goals (MDG), the National Strategy for Social and Economical Development (NSSED) and the Stabilization and Association process (SAp). After presenting the objectives, structures, obligations of each of the agendas, Mr. Xhelili displayed that the MDGs, NSSED and SAp complement and enforce each other. Nevertheless, it was argued that the SAp is based on a political agenda, which mostly focuses on enforcing and improving the institutions, whereas the NSSED and the MDG reflect mid and long term socio-economical targets. The lector continued showing the methods and indicators that will be used to analyze, monitor and report the processes related to the three development agendas. Also Ms. Xhelili analyzed the need to harmonize the indicators and objectives, coordinating and prioritizing the public actions, give the development agendas dynamism and flexibility and finally the “Albanian” ownership over the development agendas.
Ms. Marjola Xhelili holds a BA in English from the Faculty of Foreign Languages, University of Tirana. She currently works with UNDP Albania as Public Information Associate for the MDG Linkages Project.
The afternoon session initiated with the presentation of Mr. Gerti Veshaj “Good governance and public efficiency”.
Mr. Veshaj presented an abstract on the implementation and application of the peoples wishes and desires through the tools of good governance and public efficiency. Mr. Veshaj argued that political power arises as an essence of the politician, totally autonomous from the economical interests and above the personal benefits. The real political power is not manifested through speeches and declarations but rather through the engagement of the public administration in regulating and aiding the everyday life of the citizens. Referring to theoreticians as Weber, the lector showed that the democratization of public administration should be done through a full rationalization of services and responsibilities, basically turning the state administration in some form of an efficient enterprise. The lector continued presenting the differences between policy makers and bureaucrats, and the characteristics they should retain in order to maximize the efficiency of their duties and objectives.
Mr. Gerti Veshaj holds a BA in Political Sciences from the University of Bari, Italy, and is currently a lector of Theories of Democracy, near the Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Political Science.
The afternoon session continued with the presentation of Mr. Henri Cili “The electoral system and its importance in the framework of the electoral campaign” (see ANNEX I of presentations Entry XIII).
The presentation of Mr. Çili stressed the importance of the electoral system in the framework of the constitutional, political, social and economical context of a country. Since the electoral system is the tool that influences the way the parliament is configured, the population is represented and political alliances are formed, then it directly affects the construction of the government and other institutions, which basically represent the state. The nature of the electoral system defines the nature of the political spectrum and subsequently influencing the decisions making bodies and the power dynamics.
The lector went on discussing a comparison between the 2 major types of electoral systems. He argued that the non-proportional system creates a political configuration that inspires the “tough” political war, polarizes the force in two main camps and two main actors, eliminating third small parties. This favors a quick and operative political decision-making process, but it is isolated from widespread debate and does not take in account the other political actors. On the other side, the proportional system creates a relatively equal division of the votes that the party wins in the elections and the percentage of places in the parliament. This system inspires a political environment with many actors with relevant decision-making power. Basically, the proportional system creates space for agreements, compromises and discussions as the fundamental method of decision-making.
The lector concluded with an open discussion with the participants on the positive and negative sides of each of the systems.
Mr. Henri Çili holds a degree in Journalism from the University of Tirana and a MA in Political Sciences from the University PARIS 8, France. He serves as a lector near the Department of Journalist as well as an associate lector near the Department of Political Science, University of Tirana.
The fifth and final day was closed with the awarding ceremony of the Certificates, which the participants awarded to each other. The closing remarks for the day were presented from the organizing team.
Mr Gerti Veshaj and Mr. Genci Kojdheli did a resume of the main topics/information dealt with during this intense last day of lectures.
Evaluation of the Summer School from participants
Friday 10th of September 2004, after the last presentation held from Mr. Henri Çili, each of the participants in the summer school was given an Evaluation form to fill in. The questionnaire had XX questions inquiring about the quality of services, facilities, documents as well as about the material presented, the lectors and ideas transmitted.
The participants were asked to submit the formats on the following day.
According to the evaluation forms submitted, the general results are as follows:
Please give your impressions on this summer school through marking with an X the respective box. Give your opinion on a scale from 5 (Very good) to 1 (Very bad)
All 20 participants filled in the questionnaire.
|
Question |
Very good
5 |
Good
4 |
Normal
3 |
Bad
2 |
Very bad
1 |
|
What is your general opinion on this summer school? |
10 |
8 |
2 |
|
|
|
How worthy do you think the material you received here will be to your work in your party? |
9 |
9 |
2 |
|
|
|
What is your general opinion for the trainers and lectors in this summer school? |
10 |
8 |
2 |
|
|
|
What is your level of satisfaction in relation to the general organization of the event? |
12 |
7 |
1 |
|
|
|
Are you satisfied with the facilities, location, alley, food? |
9 |
8 |
3 |
|
|
|
What is your opinion in relation to the methodology of transmitting the information? |
13 |
4 |
3 |
|
|
|
How satisfied are you with the materials distributed (Presenation/Worksheet/Methods)? |
14 |
3 |
3 |
|
|
|
What do you think could have been done differently in these summer school? (Please explain) |
More group work; 9
Nothing; 3
Dealing with Electorac Campaing Funding; 2
Closer to the Albanian Reality; 4
Dealing with PR methods in politics ; 2 |
|
What is your opinion in regards to the participants in the training? |
8 |
6 |
6 |
|
|
|
Was the participation enough heterogeneous and active? |
5 |
8 |
5 |
2 |
|
|
Would you be willing to participate in other trainings of the same type? |
18 |
1 |
1 |
|
|
|
Would you reccomend this training being held in other areas of Albania? |
19 |
|
1 |
|
|
|
Do the ideas and information transmitted here coincide with ideology/directives of your party? |
8 |
9 |
3 |
|
|
|
What fo you think can be done to improve this training in future events? (please explain) |
A more heterogeneous participation 14
Less intense agenda; 7
Extended agenda 2
More practical, less theoretical 5
More group work and case studies; 3 |
Conclusions and Follow up
On the morning of Saturday 11th of September, the organizing team set with the participants in a round table discussing on the main most relevant issues, ideas and information that the participants had acquired during the summer school. The discussion mainly focused on the EU integration of Albania, the political dynamics and also follow-up to the summer school.
Albania’s path to the EU
The participants all agreed that the path to the EU is a long one. The compulsory stages to complete are many. In order to complete these stages Albania has to implement the important series of reforms, which must be pursued on the economic front and particularly in regard to the rule of law and fight against international crime and corruption. The European Union is a tremendous political and economical project and thus, integrating is naturally not an easy task for any time, especially when having to face the economical, legal, administrative and social reforms. The reforms must seriously implement and bring to a reality the adoption of the Acquis Communautaire, creation of a stable market economy, rule of law – along with a ruthless and rigorous battle against every form of organized crime and corruption etc.
Albanian politics
Among the annotations made from the participants on the Albanian politics we are enlisting the following:
It was noted that in Albania there exists an inflation of non-represented political parties, with no or minor electorate, and equal political relevance. The political stability in Albania must arise from serious representation of classes, strata, influence groups and so forth. Most of the participants agreed that the appropriate electoral system to be applied in Albania should be the proportional one.
Also a common point of agreement was the absolute necessity for clean, fair and widely accepted election next year. These elections will be an ultimate test for the Albanian democracy and for the country’s future and eventually the EU integration.
Follow-up
As prescribed and announced in the Invitation for applications for the summer school, each of the participants committed to, individually or in group, create and hold a training session in their party structures to transmit the knowledge and information acquired during the summer school. Necessary materials were given to the participants in paper format, as well as in floppy disks and CD-Rom (when required) to use as reference for their training sessions. | 
