The Albanian School of Political Studies successfully closed the academic year for the participants of the 2023-2024 generation. A group of 20 young political leaders and citizens graduated after completing a one-year cycle on good governance, political organisation, leadership, and European Union policies.

The graduation ceremony was greeted by the Head of the Council of Europe Office in Tirana, Giulia Re, and the Head of the European Union Delegation in Albania, Ambassador Silvio Gonzato, who congratulated the graduates and encouraged them to further transmit the values ??and the knowledge gained during the programme.

The Director of the Academy of Political Studies, Erjon Tase, appreciated the contribution offered by the participants of the School as educated and talented young professionals who have chosen to develop their careers in Albania. Their involvement in politics, local government, and civic activism is even more important for the future of the country and, providing a positive example for young people who are considering leaving the country.

In her opening remarks, Ms Re emphasised the important role played by education for young leaders in promoting a stable democracy, now that democracy has been put under threat by recent developments. "Each of you has an important role to play, in the professional or civic sphere, in support of the country's democratic transformations. The solution to any problem with democracy is more democracy. The Council of Europe believes in you as guardians and promoters of democracy."

Ambassador Gonzato appreciated the School's programme as an opportunity to gather young people with different opinions and backgrounds, but with the desire to discuss and find together answers to the problems faced by Albanian society today. "I am impressed by the competencies and preparation of the young Albanians I meet. Everywhere I meet wonderful young people, with ideas and the will to improve the development of your country. I encourage you to continue the commitment and this spirit of cooperation, that the European integration of the country needs today."

Two representatives of the graduate group, the investigative journalist Klodiana Lala, and the lawyer Marash Logu, greeted on behalf of the students and thanked the School and the pool of experts who became part of the academic programme.

Then the ceremony continued with the distribution of diplomas to the participants who, after this moment, will join a network of over 400 alumni of the School, continuing to offer their professional and civic engagement in initiatives undertaken by the Academy of Political Studies as the partner of the Council of Europe for the implementation of the programme of the School since its establishment in 2007.