In a dedicated event, held at Europe House in Tirana on Friday 6 October, the European Union took a significant step towards enhancing educational opportunities for Albanian students. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed with the esteemed College of Europe, opening doors to a world-class education for aspiring Albanian scholars. The agreement formalises and paves the way for the establishment of a College of Europe branch in the Albanian capital.

The event was attended by high officials, both from the EU and Albania, including Rector of College of Europe, Federica Mogherini, European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, Oliver Varhelyi, Ambassador Luigi Soreca, Managing Director of the European Union Angelina Eichhorst, Minister of Education and Sports Ogerta Manastirliu, and Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj. Their collective presence underscored the importance of this collaboration in fostering stronger ties between Albania and the European Union. The memorandum, which will bring for the first time this prestigious institute outside the EU, was signed by the representatives of the Ministry of Education, Tirana Municipality, and College of Europe, in the presence of Commissioner Varhelyi and Ambassador Soreca.

The ceremony was attended also by the Young European Ambassadors (YEA) from Albania.  During the event, YEAs had the privilege of meeting with prominent figures such as Olivér Várhelyi, the Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, Luigi Soreca, the EU Ambassador to Albania, and Federica Mogherini, the Rector of the College of Europe. The enthusiastic YEAs conveyed their excitement about this new campus.

The College of Europe is renowned for its excellence in educating future European leaders and diplomats. By establishing a presence in Tirana, it offers an excellent opportunity to local students and others from around the world to access top-notch education in a newly founded campus. This development aligns perfectly with the EU’s commitment to support education and skill development in its neighbouring regions.