On the second day of her first official visit to Albania, EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos travelled to Elbasan where she visited EU-funded projects and engaged directly with their beneficiaries. Together with members of the Albanian authorities, she met civil society activists, women from vulnerable groups, and high school students, witnessing first-hand how EU support is improving lives and strengthening communities.

EU in Albania

Together with the Minister of Health and Social Protection Albana Koçiu, Commissioner Kos began her visit at a carpet-weaving workshop supported through an EU grant. Launched in 2021, the initiative has transformed a confiscated criminal asset into a thriving social enterprise. Managed by the Joscelyn Foundation in collaboration with Partners Albania in Elbasan and Libera from Italy, the workshop provides women from vulnerable backgrounds—some of whom were victims of organised crime—with the opportunity to learn new skills, gain employment, and achieve financial independence for their families.

EU in Albania

The Commissioner and the Minister then took part in an in-depth conversation in a safe environment with women survivors of domestic and gender-based violence. Hosted by World Vision Albania and the Women’s Forum Elbasan, the meeting highlighted the impact of EU-funded support for victims, including psychological counselling, legal aid, and economic empowerment programmes. She listened to the personal experiences of these courageous women and learned how the project is helping them rebuild their lives.

EU in Albania

The final stop of Commissioner Kos’ visit was Dhaskal Todri High School where, together with the Minister of State for Youth and Children Bora Muzhaqi, she met students from Albania and Serbia participating in the Superschools programme of the Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO). This EU and Germany-funded regional initiative fosters dialogue, reconciliation, and cultural exchange among young people in the Western Balkans, helping to break down prejudices, build bridges between communities, and promote a shared European future.

Reflecting on her visit, Commissioner Kos said: "Today’s visit has reinforced my belief in the profound impact of EU support in Albania. I spoke with women rebuilding their lives through new skills and employment, as well as survivors of domestic violence finding strength through support. I had vibrant discussions with teachers and high school students from Albania and Serbia who are breaking down barriers through cultural exchange. This is a testament to how local communities can empower one another to create safer and better environments for all generations as well as to be the actors of reconciliation and regional cooperation."

EU in Albania

She reiterated that the EU will continue to support Albania and its people so that they can benefit from EU programmes and experience the advantages of the accession process, even before formally joining the EU: "Today more than ever, the EU is committed to supporting Albania to accelerate its EU integration path and join the EU family. We will continue fostering the modernisation of the Albanian society, working together with the central government, the municipalities and the citizens towards a more prosperous, equal, and peaceful future."

About the EU-Funded Projects:

1. TWIST Project:

TWIST (ToWards a new socIal entrepreneurShip model in confiscated assets in Albania) is a €500,000 EU-funded initiative aimed at repurposing confiscated assets for social entrepreneurship. The project, which was successfully finalised in February 2025 by Libera, the Municipality of Tirana and Partners Albania, supported local NGOs, like the Joscelyn Foundation, in creating social enterprises that provide services and employment to vulnerable groups, including victims of crime. Social entreprises in confiscated assets were supported in Durres, Fier, Gjirokaster, Shkodra and Puka regions.

2. RISE HER Project:

The RISE HER project (Revitalize Independence and Solid Empowerment for Her) is funded by the European Union with a EUR 0.5million grant and implemented by World Vision Albania and the Women's Forum Elbasan, with the support of the Ministry of Health and Social Protection. The initative provides life-saving services to survivors of gender-based violence in Elbasan and surrounding municipalities. The project focuses on supporting the independence and empowerment of women and girls, offering shelter, legal, psychological, and social services.

3. Superschools Project:

Superschools is a regional exchange programme of the Regional Youth Cooperation Office – RYCO. The programme connects secondary schools from the Western Balkans, promoting peacebuilding, reconciliation, and intercultural understanding. With €4.5 million from the EU and €1 million from Germany, the project encourages young people to engage in cross-border dialogue, fostering mutual understanding and cooperation for a shared future.