Glenn Micallef, European Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport, concluded a productive visit to Albania’s capital on Monday, marking his first visit in the Western Balkans region. His programme featured a keynote speech at the closing ceremony of the first cohort of students from the College of Europe campus in Tirana, alongside a series of high-level engagements focusing on youth, education, cultural heritage, and sport. 

The visit began at the College of Europe, where Commissioner Micallef engaged in a dynamic discussion with the graduating students. The conversation focused on topics such as EU enlargement, Albania’s EU accession path, the role of Western Balkan countries in building a stronger Europe, and the contributions of young people to these transformative processes. 

The Commissioner met with the students again in the evening, at the closing ceremony of the academic year, where he underlined their vital role in shaping Europe’s future. He emphasised that EU enlargement is not only a political project, but also a matter of intergenerational fairness — a promise of opportunity, unity, and shared prosperity for the next generation. 

During his visit, the Commissioner also visited the Gjergj Canco Vocational Education and Training School, where he was welcomed by Bora Muzhaqi, Minister of State for Youth and Children, and Olta Manjani, Deputy Minister of Economy, Culture and Innovation. Officials provided an overview of the EU-funded Youth Guarantee pilot programme in Albania, which helps young people access training, education, and employment opportunities. They also shared insights into the Government’s broader initiatives supporting youth. 

Together with representatives from the EU Delegation to Albania, UNDP, and UNICEF—key partners in the Youth Guarantee—the Commissioner held an informal and engaging exchange with students, including Young European Ambassadors from Albania and participants in the Youth Guarantee programme. Through this programme, young people have received tailored support such as counselling, skills training, and job placements, helping them transition into meaningful and stable employment. 

Later in the day, together with Deputy Minister of Economy, Culture and Innovation Lira Pipa, Commissioner Micallef also took part in a joint inauguration ceremony marking the successful completion of two major cultural interventions under the EU4Culture programme, implemented by UNOPS in partnership with the Ministry of Economy, Culture and Innovation. These included: 

• The restoration of the historic façade of the former Kinostudio building, a cultural monument and former headquarters of Albania’s state film production company; 

• The upgrading of the National Film Archive with advanced digitisation equipment, significantly enhancing its capacity to preserve and provide public access to Albania’s rich audiovisual heritage. 

He also visited the Albanian Sports Science Association (ASSA), which implements innovative digital techniques to promote sports culture and physical fitness among young people, supported by the European Union’s Erasmus+ Programme. Commissioner Micallef joined PE teachers, coaches, and students for a demonstration of fitness assessments and digital monitoring tools, which are performed in line with EU health and physical activity guidelines.

Videos and photos from the visit:

Photos and video from the Closing Ceremony of the College of Europe Academic Year 2024-225: https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/video/I-273793

Visit at the National Film Archive: https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/video/I-273761

Full speech from the Closing Ceremony of the College of Europe Academic Year 2024-225: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/speech_25_1527