Cooperation and Development Institute in partnership with Hanns -Seidel Foundation organized on Friday, June 10th, 2016, the Workshop “Migrant’s Path to Europe: the Albanian Step of the Balkan Route”
The workshop was focused on the situation of migration flows in Europe and its impact in Albania, as well as the internal and external factors that condition the migrants’ entry in our country.
The experts pointed out Albania’s role in the Balkan Migration Route and gave their assessments if our country could become the next destination for migrants or simply serve as a temporary transit one; highlighted the key factors that provoked the migration flows flee toward the EU countries and indicated the geographical position of the Balkans; discussed the management and control issues of Albanian border points, as well as the trafficking of human beings across the Adriatic Sea; also affirmed the importance of respecting the human rights of foreigners in relevant Albanian institutions; provided an overview of issues and procedures on how to receive asylum in Albania, and emphasized the institutional cooperation among the Albanian government and EU partners.
This workshop brought together experts from national authorities and organizations (Prime Minister Office, Ministry of Internal Affairs that deal with migration issues), Albanian Committee of Helsinki, the prestigious German newspaper “Süddeutsche Zeitung”, German Embassy in Tirana, and other organizations which focus on migration-related aspects. Each workshop session was followed by a question and answer space, where the participants had the opportunity to debate with respective speakers and experts.
The analysis of migration factors and Albania’s position will be published soon on CDI’s website www.cdinstitute.eu and on its public policy portal www.shtetiweb.org
