TIRANA, July 22 /ATA/ – Albania’s Agricultural University (UBT) is set to play a pivotal role in the country’s EU integration process through its new degree programs aligned with Austria’s BOKU University, Prime Minister Edi Rama said on Tuesday.
Speaking at a public event introducing nine new BOKU-modeled study programs, the government head voiced confidence that UBT would become a key source of knowledge and expertise in areas vital to the country’s EU alignment – particularly in environmental protection, food security, water management, and rural development.
“With EU membership on the horizon, Albania needs more professionals in the fields covered by UBT than it needs lawyers,” Rama said. “We need a workforce that understands the country’s needs, can monitor developments, and adapt to change.”
PM Rama pointed to pressing global issues such as water scarcity and competition over natural resources – conflicts already affecting over 2 billion people worldwide – and stressed the need for expertise in emerging technologies.
“In this context, we need well-trained people who can manage fast-evolving technologies like satellite imaging, drones, data analysis, and scientific research. Natural disasters and risk management can no longer be treated as someone else’s fault. We need interdisciplinary solutions involving science, engineering, policy, and local governance,” Rama added.
Rama emphasized that agriculture and rural development represent a specific and challenging chapter in Albania’s EU accession negotiations.
While foreign expertise will continue to play a role, the Premier insisted the foundation must be built domestically.
/j.p/u.sh/
