Casoeual - Jean Monnet Modules FHF

As part of the CASOEUAL Jean Monnet Module, the Faculty of History and Philology at the University of Tirana hosted a two-day Summer School on “Justice Reform in Albania and the EU Integration Process”, held on June 25–26, 2025. The event aimed to promote academic engagement and stimulate critical dialogue among students regarding the impact of institutional reforms on Albania’s path toward European Union accession.

The keynote lectures were delivered by Prof. Dr. Artan Hoxha, Rector of the University of Tirana and former Chair of the High-Level Experts Group responsible for drafting Albania’s justice reform during 2015–2016. Prof. Hoxha emphasized the reform as a cornerstone of the EU negotiation process, highlighting its role in the opening and provisional closure of four out of six negotiation clusters. Albania is expected to close the remaining two clusters by 2027. He also outlined key achievements of the reform, including amendments to 21 constitutional articles, the introduction of 40 new provisions, the adoption of 7 new justice-related laws, and revisions to approximately 100 legal acts. These changes have significantly contributed to strengthening the rule of law, enhancing human rights protections, and promoting judicial independence.

A second thematic session, titled “Structured Dialogue on Media Freedom in Albania and the EU Integration Process,” was delivered by Prof. Dr. Mark Marku, Dean of the Faculty of History and Philology. His lecture addressed persistent challenges to media freedom in Albania, such as unsafe working conditions for journalists, lack of editorial independence in public broadcasters (e.g., RTSH), limited autonomy of regulatory bodies (e.g., AMA), lack of transparency in media ownership, and the high concentration of media assets among a small number of stakeholders.

Media freedom remains a critical benchmark in Albania’s EU integration process and is expected to feature prominently in the upcoming European Commission Progress Report (October 2025). In response, a Structured Dialogue Working Group on Media Freedom—composed of media professionals, civil society representatives, and EU policy experts—has been established. The group is currently drafting concrete policy and legislative recommendations aimed at aligning national standards with those of the European Union and advancing relevant negotiation chapters.

For the latest updates on CASOEUAL Summer School activities, please visit the

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In the framework of the Jean Monnet module “Challenges of Social Dimensions of the European Integration Process in Albania” (CASOEUAL), a study visit was conducted to the Albanian Parliament. The activity was organised by the Parliamentary Institute in cooperation with the Technical Secretariat of the National Council for European Integration, with the objective of enhancing students’ applied knowledge of the institutional role of the Parliament in the EU integration process.

Throughout the visit, students were introduced to the Parliament’s functions in the approximation of national legislation with the EU acquis, its oversight mechanisms related to the implementation of integration-related reforms, and its cooperation with the European Parliament and the parliaments of EU Member States. The open discussion session provided students with the opportunity to engage critically with key issues, including the practical challenges of EU integration, the influence of euroscepticism on public opinion, and youth participation in the integration process.

Digital transformation in the EU, the European Declaration on Digital Rights, the principles on which this process is based, the digitalization of public services in Albania and the importance of developing digital skills for future teachers were some of the issues discussed with students in the lecture held, within the framework of the Jean Monnet Module "Challenges of the social dimensions of the European integration process in Albania".

On March 12, as part of the CASOEUAL Project, we had the honor of welcoming the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany 🇩🇪, Mr. Karl Bergner.

In an engaging discussion with students, Ambassador Bergner shared Germany's experience in confronting the Nazi past after World War II and the country's pivotal role within the European Union. He also provided valuable insights into Albania's journey towards European Union integration, highlighting the process as a continuous path of transformation, democratic consolidation, and strengthening of the rule of law.

We thank Ambassador Bergner for his inspiring visit and the enriching dialogue with our students.

In the framework of the Jean Monnet Module "Challenges of social dimensions of the European Integration Process in Albania", a study visit of students to the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs took place in order to understand in practice the functioning of the integration process, the structure of the ministry and the institutions main involved in the process. During the visit, the students were received by the Director of the EU Mrs. Admira Jorgji and the Director of the Diplomatic Academy Mr. Florian Nova. Ms. Jorgji held a lecture on practical aspects of the process of Albania's integration into the European Union, the opening of chapters and the further progress of the process. The increase in cooperation between the university and the public administration was highlighted as a very important aspect to ensure the smooth running and success of the integration process and the future of Albania in the EU.

In the framework of the Jean Monnet Module "Challenges of social dimensions of the European Integration Process in Albania", a study visit of students to the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs took place in order to understand in practice the functioning of the integration process, the structure of the ministry and the institutions main involved in the process. During the visit, the students were received by the Director of the EU Mrs. Admira Jorgji and the Director of the Diplomatic Academy Mr. Florian Nova. Ms. Jorgji held a lecture on practical aspects of the process of Albania's integration into the European Union, the opening of chapters and the further progress of the process. The increase in cooperation between the university and the public administration was highlighted as a very important aspect to ensure the smooth running and success of the integration process and the future of Albania in the EU.

On October 30, 2024, CASOEUAL project staff held a meeting in Tirana with Mrs. Olga Martin Gonzales from the central office of European projects "Jean Monnet", based in Brussels. The meeting focused on monitoring, challenges and further development of the project.  

During her visit, Mrs. Gonzales also attended an introductory lecture on the project, now in its second year, where new students were welcomed. The lecture was accompanied by a fruitful conversation with the students on the challenges and perspectives of the European integration process.

In the framework of the Jean Monnet 2023-2026 module, "Challenges of the social dimensions of the European integration process in Albania"  was held the lecture on digital citizenship. Aspects of the digital transformation in the EU, the European Declaration on digital rights, the principles on which the digital transformation is based and the measures taken in Albania regarding the digitalization of public services were discussed. The importance of developing digital skills and competencies among students of the teaching program was also addressed, as well as awareness for guaranteeing the protection of basic online rights or the safety of the digital environment.