“The Albanian Diaspora has always stood by the homeland throughout history, including our National Renaissance. ‘With rifle and pen for the Motherland’ was the leitmotif of the efforts by Albanian patriots for Albania’s freedom and independence, with the contribution of the Diaspora’s patriots being especially significant,” said Spiropali.

“Over the last three decades, emigration has played a crucial role and served as a key source for the development of Albania. Albanian emigrants, who have settled in neighboring countries such as Italy and Greece, other EU countries, the United States, Canada, and beyond, are known for their hard work, swift integration, and strong, friendly, and human connections with local communities and institutions in their host countries,” highlighted Spiropali.

The Speaker of Parliament highlighted that, “the contribution of Albanian emigrants has been acknowledged and valued by the institutions and citizens of these countries.”

“In addition to their commitment to their families and children in the countries where they reside, our brothers and sisters from emigration have played a significant role throughout the challenging transition and continue to support the well-being of their families in Albania,” said Spiropali.

“Over the past few years, it is estimated that about one billion euros per year have entered our country from emigration. Through their remittances, Albanian emigrants contribute not only to the well-being of their families but also to the economic growth and development of Albania,” she said.

“Many of them have brought in private investments to Albania, frequently in partnership with collaborators from the countries where they reside and work. They have contributed to Albanian society by bringing social and human capital, along with enhanced cultural and civilizing values,” stated Spiropali.

“However, the Speaker of Parliament emphasized that the Albanian state has also consistently shown care for emigrants.”

“Several agreements on pensions have been signed with host countries. Following the ratification by the Chamber of Deputies, the ratification of this agreement by the Senate of Italy is expected shortly.”

“Efforts to ensure education in the Albanian language for the children of emigrants serve as another sign of the attention state institutions dedicate to the Diaspora.”

“Collaboration with organizations and representatives of Albanian communities in the Diaspora has now been institutionalized. The Diaspora summits are evolving into platforms discussing the common challenges of this cooperation,” she stated.

Spiropali went on saying, “We have reached a significant milestone and are now facing a major challenge. With the amendment of the electoral legislation, the Albanian Parliament has cleared the way for Diaspora to vote from their host countries.”

“In this way, the economic, social, valuable, and human contribution of the Diaspora to the development of Albania will be complemented by political participation. With the opportunity to vote in the parliamentary elections from the countries where they live, Albanian emigrants will have more opportunities to directly participate in the governance of the country,” said the Speaker of Parliament.

“The voter registration process for the May 11 elections will commence on January 11 and continue until March 4. Esteemed members of the Diaspora, we encourage you to register to vote, thereby exercising your right and contributing to the decisions on our collective works, assisting Albania in aligning more closely with the standards of the Western countries in which you reside. Albania needs not only your remittances but also your vote. We are proud of our European Albania!” concludes the message from the Speaker of Parliament, Elisa Spiropali.

/sm/