Celebration of the 20th anniversary of Poland's accession to the EU as part of "Europe Week 2024" in Albania
13.05.2024
On May 4th, the Delegation of the European Union to Albania commenced the "Europe Week 2024" in its customary fashion, aligning with the theme "EU for Inclusiveness, Diversity, and Human Rights." The event unfolded across Shkodra in the north, Gjirokastra in the south, and culminated in the capital, Tirana. A diverse array of activities filled the week, featuring film screenings, concerts, an "EU fair," panel discussions, youth workshops, debates, and even a spirited football match, held from May 4th to May 11th. Notably, this year's "Europe Week" coincided with the commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the European Union's enlargement, which welcomed ten new member countries, including Poland.
In Shkodra, the inauguration ceremony of “Europe Week 2024” witnessed the presence of distinguished figures such as the Head of the EU Delegation to Albania, Silvio Gonzato, and the Head of the Political and Economic Section of the Polish Embassy, Tomasz Frączkiewicz. The event was accentuated by performances from The Door, a local band composed of musicians with disabilities, and the Western Balkans Youth Orchestra, a collaborative platform for young musicians from the region established in 2019.
Poland's involvement in the festivities was particularly noteworthy. At the initiative of the EU Delegation to Albania and in honor of Poland's 20th anniversary of EU accession, the House of Europe in Tirana hosted a screening of the Polish film "Backwards", directed by Jacek Lusinski, on May 7th. This cinematic presentation harmonized perfectly with the overarching theme of "Europe Week 2024 - EU for Inclusiveness, Diversity, and Human Rights."
Furthermore, on May 9th, the Ambassador of the Republic of Poland to Tirana, Monika Zuchniak-Pazdan, actively participated in the "Europe at Home" event, convened by Albania's Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs, Igli Hasani. During this gathering, Albanian government representatives shared insights into the nation's progress towards EU accession and its future prospects, fostering meaningful dialogue among attendees.
Concurrently, the panel discussion titled "Twenty years on: EU Enlargement - well worth the effort" saw the engagement of Tomasz Frączkiewicz, representing Poland, alongside delegates from other European nations and young activists from EU candidate countries. The open exchange of ideas provided a platform for reflection on the achievements and challenges of EU enlargement. Poland's contributions extended beyond dialogue and cultural showcases.
The post's sponsorship of the Gala Concert by the Western Balkans Youth Orchestra on Europe Day, May 9th, served as a poignant celebration of Poland's two-decade-long EU membership, resonating with the spirit of solidarity and collaboration.
