Europe Week 2023 started in Tirana, on May 16, with the inauguration of the mosaic of the façade of the National Historical Museum, restored thanks to the EU4Culture programme. Ahead of the inauguration ceremony, a special dance performance  took place at Skanderbeg square with choreography by Enada and Gerd Vaso. The eveningcontinued with a concert.

The journey continued to some of Albania’s most remarkable cities, where local talents have flourished with the support of the EU. Shkodra, with its rich history and artistic heritage, will be the next stop of Europe Week 2023, on 19 May, with the authentic “Xhubleta Festival”. Producers of various elements of the xhubleta will show their skills to young people. An exhibition by photographer Roland Tasho showing personalities dressed in xhubleta, a parade with this centuries-old garment and a performance of the Shkodra Ensemble with the Xhubleta dance will close the celebrations. In Cerrik (20 May), we will hold a Training Career Day at a professional high school and celebrate the International Bee Day.

In Vlora (21 May), known for its stunning coastline, we will highlight the positive impact of EU investments in the infrastructure of the city and the skills required to be able to offer the best service possible to the many tourists visiting the region.

The stonemason Ermal Makri, in Gjirokastra, will show to young people through a masterclass how to make art with stones and keep the ancient family tradition alive (on 22 May). The week will close with the celebrations of Europe Week 2023 in Tirana on 26 May with a digital fair and festive concert at the Polytechnic University.