The Embassy noted that Aug. 12 has been observed as International Youth Day since 1999, following a United Nations General Assembly decision aimed at raising awareness of issues affecting young people and their potential worldwide.

Germany supports Albanian youth through a wide range of scholarship opportunities offered each year to Albanian pupils, students, young professionals and researchers at German universities, as well as through practical training programmes, the Embassy said.

It also supports vocational education in Albania, a partnership that dates back to 1999 and has a particular focus on the Vocational Training Centre in Kamza.

The cooperation aims to develop vocational education that meets labour-market needs while creating greater opportunities and prospects for Albanian youth, the Embassy said.

Through the Regional Cooperation Council’s RYCO initiative, Germany also supports reconciliation, youth exchanges and stronger cooperation among young people across the Western Balkans.

“International Youth Day” is an opportunity to recognise the potential of young people and encourage investment in education, skills and new opportunities for the next generation, the Embassy concluded.

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In a statement posted on social media, the Embassy welcomed the ninth Albania-EU Intergovernmental Conference and the provisional closure of Chapters 25 (Science and Research), 26 (Education and Culture) and 30 (External Relations) – the first negotiating chapters to be closed since Albania launched its accession negotiations.

“Their closure demonstrates Albania’s readiness to integrate into key EU policy areas, deepen cooperation in research and innovation, foster closer educational and cultural ties, and contribute to strengthening the EU’s economic security,” the Embassy said.

German Embassy also commended “the efforts undertaken by the Albanian authorities to reach this historic milestone” and encouraged them to maintain the current momentum as work continues on the remaining negotiating chapters.

“We are confident that Albania will build on this progress, continue its reform path with the same determination, and deliver concrete and sustainable results, including in the area of the Fundamentals,” the statement said, referring to the cluster covering the rule of law, democratic institutions and public administration.

The Embassy reaffirmed Germany’s support for Albania’s European perspective and said it looked forward to further progress in the accession process, based on the country’s own merits and fulfilment of the agreed criteria.

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The Embassy’s reaction came after Albania’s parliament rejected a request by the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecution Structure (SPAK) to lift the parliamentary immunity of lawmaker Belinda Balluku.

Germany supports Albania’s EU integration process in line with the aspirations of the Albanian people, the Embassy said.

According to the statement, a necessary condition for progress in the merit-based accession process is the effective criminal prosecution of corruption, including in high-level cases.

“Our clear expectation is that, also in such cases, criminal prosecution through the justice system can proceed swiftly and without obstruction,” the Embassy said, adding that Albania’s political class is still expected to ensure that this process is guaranteed.

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Monetary prizes were presented by Iven Schad, head of development cooperation at the German Embassy in Tirana, who highlighted the essential role of the private sector in addressing waste prevention challenges and advancing innovative recycling solutions.

Transforming discarded materials into sustainable business models represents an important step toward strengthening Albania’s circular economy, Schad said.

First prize went to Tri Tech, a startup focused on buying and selling used laptops and electronic devices, with the aim of reducing electronic waste.

Second place was awarded to STOA, an online marketplace for reselling and repairing second-hand clothing.

Third place went to Vakte Ditore (DailyMeals.al), a platform offering discounted meals prepared from food approaching its expiration date, helping to reduce food waste in restaurants and canteens.

The initiative aims to support innovation and entrepreneurship in the service of sustainable development, promoting business models that contribute to environmental protection and more efficient use of resources.

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In a post on social media, the Embassy said it “strongly supports the statement of the EU Delegation condemning the unacceptable violence during the recent protests.”

“Political protest and the right to demonstrate can never justify violence against people or property. Political leaders must fulfil their responsibility to ensure peaceful coexistence in a democracy,” the Embassy said.

The European Union Delegation to Albania has also voiced concern about violence during Saturday’s opposition protest in Tirana.

The Delegation noted recent clashes in the capital put lives at risk and called on political leaders to avoid further escalation.

The EU added that political dialogue is needed as Albania continues reforms linked to its bid to join the bloc.

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In a statement on Saturday, the German Embassy said it has supported the development and growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Albania for more than a decade.

A key pillar of that support has been funding from Germany’s development bank KfW to the Albanian Development Guarantee Fund (ADGF), amounting to more than 40 million euros. Over its first decade of operation, the fund has facilitated more than 33,000 loans for entrepreneurs, the Embassy said.

According to the statement, the guarantees have enabled financial injections into businesses that might otherwise not have been able to secure financing, helping to foster innovation, growth and improved competitiveness. The support has also contributed to economic transformation in rural areas and encouraged greater environmental protection.

“We are pleased that the European Union, as a co-founder of ADGF, will further strengthen its engagement in the future, allowing many more businesses to benefit from credit guarantees,” the Embassy said in a post on social media.

The initiative also aims to help Albanian SMEs prepare for the requirements of the EU single market, the statement added.

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The handover took place at the General Directorate of the State Police in the presence of German Ambassador Karl Bergner, Deputy Director General of Police Sokol Bizhga, and the EU Delegation’s representative in Albania, Francesca Varlese. The equipment was formally received by Border Police Director Saimir Muçaj.

In a statement, the German Embassy said the equipment – worth about 285,000 euros – was provided on the initiative of the German Federal Police under the EU4FAST project, titled “EU Support for Strengthening the Fight Against Migrant Smuggling and Human Trafficking in the Western Balkans.”

The project is being implemented across the region by the German federal government, Italy’s Interior Ministry, the Dutch Foreign Ministry and the French government, with support from the European Union.

According to the embassy, the new technology is expected to reduce waiting times at Albanian border crossings, enabling faster and safer travel to and from neighbouring countries. It is also intended to help detect and prevent life-threatening forms of migrant smuggling.

Ambassador Bergner said the ceremony sent a strong signal of the partners’ shared commitment to strengthening the rule of law and fighting organised crime.

“Germany is proud to support Albania and the Western Balkans region in improving border management and protecting people at risk. These efforts are part of a broader coordinated approach involving Germany, the European Union, France and the Netherlands to improve conditions for the prevention and fight against migrant smuggling and human trafficking in line with EU standards,” Bergner said.

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German Embassy in Tirana has congratulated Albania on the successful start of the ITB fair.

“As the main partner country, Albania will present itself at the largest tourism trade fair for three days from today until Thursday,” German Embassy said on Tuesday.

“We are happy to support you with advice on the overall appearance, stand presentation and advertising material. And now the world stage is clear for Albania in Berlin,” the Embassy stated in a post on the social media.

With its tourism boom, Albania has taken centre stage as the Host Country of ITB Berlin 2025 – showing the world why it is one of the most exciting travel destinations of the future. Albania features an 800-square meter stand, offering interactive experiences, opportunities to collaborate and get to know the Albanian tourism industry.

Over three days, Albania will present a virtual discovery and a multimedia journey through its destinations, culture and landscapes.

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“This important step in the accession process is the well-deserved recognition for Albania as a close partner of the EU in all foreign policy issues, its steadfast commitment within the international organizations and its constructive role in the region,” German Embassy said in a post on the social media after the country opened the Cluster six at the third Intergovernmental Conference with the European Union in Brussels.

“G Germany is grateful to have such a reliable ally and partner in a troubled world. We encourage Albania to continue its efforts to join the EU and the necessary reforms in all areas with the same determination,” German Embassy stated.

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In a statement on the social media, German Embassy affirmed German government support for Albania’s efforts to strengthen the rule of law as the country advances on the path towards European Union membership.

“Successful completion of the judicial vetting process is an important milestone for Albania and its citizens. The Albanian judicial institutions, in particular the High Judicial Council and the High Prosecutorial Council are called upon to actively maintain the high standards of integrity and quality in the judiciary established by vetting,” German Embassy said.

According to German Embassy, success of the vetting process sets a model in the efforts to further strengthen the rule of law on the path towards the EU membership, in which Germany stands by Albania.

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