US Embassy in Tirana congratulated the Albanian citizens this Thursday on the National Youth Day, while reassuring of United States' support on the path to European Union integration.

On the social networks, the American Embassy put the emphasis on the good relations between the USA and Albania over the years, as it praised the courage of students who demanded political changes and democracy for their country 32 years ago.

"Today, Albania marks National Youth Day. Only 32 years ago, Albanian students and youth protested against one of the most cruel communist regimes in Europe and initiated its demise, becoming the protagonists of a pivotal moment in Albanian history. On December 8, we honor the courage of those students who demanded political change and democracy for their country. Youth today continue to shape the future of the country and the United States stands side-by-side with the Albanian people as you take the next step of your democratic journey to become a member of the European Union", underlined the Embassy.

However, Albania celebrates the Youth Day every 8 December, since it is a day remembering the student’s protests in the early years of 1990 against dictatorial regime of Enver Hoxha. Students of what was then the Enver Hoxha University, now the University of Tirana, marched through city streets, demanding reformation of the political system. 

The march started on 8 December 1990, but the number of protesters reached 3,000 by December 11, forcing the predecessor of Hoxha, Mr Ramiz Alia to meet with the students in order to quiet the unrest. He agreed to take further steps to democratize Albania.