Glad to participate today at the National VET Conference to take stock of achievements and challenges in the sector.

The matching between VET offer and labour market needs is crucial in all our countries and one which has been at the heart of our VET policies in the EU for quite some time.

I welcome the emphasis on innovative ways in which the VET system can contribute to the human capital development agenda but also the focus on the inclusive character of VET policies, allowing people (especially vulnerable groups and young people) to be part of the transition to a higher productivity economy.

As our economies constantly evolve we need to ensure that people not only keep up with but also contribute to (are in fact actors of) change.

What before was a linear process (you learn, you work, you retire) has become a much more modular experience where learning and working become one.

Lifelong learning today is a reality and needs to be integrated into our policies, It is part of efforts to empower not just young people, but women and men in general to take part in society.

For years now, the European Union, has been supporting Albania’s Employment and Skills Strategies and its efforts to increase decent and inclusive employment opportunities for all women and men (in particular young people).

We have been doing this by also opening up greater cooperation opportunities between Albanian and EU educational establishments, sharing experiences and providing substantial financial aid to help modernise Albanian VET system.

The urgency of this is for us all to see. Albania has very talented youth who however continue to feel that they need to leave the country if they want to realise their ambitions.

Of course travelling to, studying and working in other countries is not a negative factor per se – quite the contrary. But we need to convince people that they can use the experience and skills they have acquired for the benefit of Albania.

Today you will be discussing how we can achieve a VET which lives up to the expectations and challenges of an economy (and a labour market) in transition and how we can promote investment not just in infrastructure and services but also in human capital. This is key for the prosperity of Albania

But let me add that it will not be enough unless we also fight the feeling of disengagement and social exclusion. Promoting empowerment of citizens (in particular young people and vulnerable groups), promoting civic engagement is also part of the picture and in this respect, the efforts and commitments, which are part of the accession process, to uphold the rule of law and promote a merit-based economic model are key.

People need to feel that they can have access to opportunities based on their competences and skills and that they have the means to take control of and shape their future.

Offering the right education and training can be a major engine of economic growth, prosperity and progress by filling gaps and mismatches in the labour market, minimising labour shortages, and increasing labour productivity.

Reforms relevant for Human Capital development are key to boost economic growth and accelerate socio-economic convergence with the EU.

And the acceleration of convergence is a top priority in the EU-Albania common agenda and at the heart of the Reform and Growth Plan which was announced here in Tirana by President Von der Leyen and discussed only a couple of weeks ago, always in Tirana, by the Heads of State and Government of the WB6.

This plan, by injecting massive new funds, responds to the call to address the gap between the EU and the WB6 economies, and brings per-capita aid in the WB close to the level of assistance which currently benefits EU citizens.

In this plan, the development of human capital plays a central role because we recognise that having a VET system that meets the needs of the labour market by closely cooperating with industries and businesses is key.

So today’s conference is particularly timely. It contributes to enhancing Albania’s preparedness to achieve those reforms which are necessary for a successful transition to higher productivity growth also in terms of human capital.

I can assure you that the EU will remain mobilised to support you to address such challenges. We are doing this through various programmes, in partnership with relevant public authorities, civil society organizations, social partners and in consultations with end beneficiaries (vulnerable communities and youth).

EU4 youth employment, EU4Youth, EU4Labour Market Inclusion, EU for Social Inclusion, are some of the programmes we have launched.

With these programmes we try to pursue a holistic approach. We invest in skills, economic development, job creation, and of course social inclusion by championing the principles of inclusivity and diversity.

Perhaps one of the most visible examples, is the Youth Guarantee, where EU invests in skills development and employment for youth. Many young Albanians are neither in education nor in employment, The Youth Guarantee is a tool to address some of the challenges faced by them. It is an innovative scheme (based on a successful experience in EU Member States), which offers in a flexible way to young people decent employment opportunities, continued education, apprenticeship or traineeship, so they can develop relevant skills, access suitable jobs and gain valuable work experience.

Of course, our investments will only produce sustainable and long term results if they complement effective public policies in these sectors.

I’m therefore very keen to continue our cooperation with all of you to transform and modernise the VET sector. The engagement of all the partners who are here today, is key for the realisation of our shared ambition: Albania’s membership of the European Union.

Let me end with a message to all the young people present here today: follow your hopes and dreams, unleash your creativity and entrepreneurial spirit to pursue your professional aspirations. At the same time take active role in society and have your voices amplified especially for matters that concern your wellbeing and your future.

I urge you to ‘be the drivers of your own professional life and contribute to positive change in society’

Thank you / Faleminderit !