Albanian journalists certified in effective reporting on the EU integration process
Twenty journalists covering political affairs, integration, institutions and socio-economic affairs in Albania, together with a representative of the Media and Information Agency (MIA), were certified at the College of Europe in Tirana, marking the conclusion of the training program "Reporting Effectively on the EU Integration Process".
EU membership is not only a technical and political process but a broad institutional and societal transformation. Citizens have the right to understand what it means for their everyday lives: for employment, food safety, the environment, justice and opportunities, while journalists are the bridge connecting the negotiating table and the public.
The training program was delivered by the College of Europe under the EU Integration Support (EUIS) Project, implemented by DAI, Abkons and WeGlobal, with the financial support of the European Union.
The certification ceremony was attended by the EU Ambassador to Albania, who congratulated the participants and underlined the role of informed and independent journalism in sustaining public support for Albania's path towards EU membership.
"The accession process is not just something done amongst technocrats, it is really a transformational process," said the EU Ambassador to Albania. "For people to understand what lies behind the reforms, and to own these reforms, you need information. That is why journalists are the bridge builders: you can contribute to a better understanding by ordinary citizens of what this whole process is about."
The training program "Reporting Effectively on the EU Integration Process" was delivered in two phases.
The first phase took place in 3 and 5 March 2026 in Tirana, during which participants deepened their knowledge of the European Union's institutional framework, decision-making processes, the structure of Albania's accession negotiations and the organisation of the negotiating chapter clusters, with particular attention to the EU Growth Plan and regional cooperation in the enlargement process.
The second phase, held on 9–10 June in Durrës, was devoted to practical implementation and first-hand experience of membership. Over two intensive days, participants examined how to interpret EU reports and benchmarks, the content of the main negotiating chapter clusters, the alignment of Albanian legislation with the EU acquis, as well as issues relating to disinformation and anti-EU narratives. During the second phase, journalists also had the opportunity to learn from Croatia's experience of membership and the media's approach to this process.
Reflecting on this dimension, the Ambassador stressed the responsibility carried by the participants: "Access to verified, non-biased information is extremely important for our democratic societies. You should see yourselves as one of the pillars of democratic societies today."
The Ambassador also recalled that a free and independent media environment lies at the heart of the accession process. "Media freedom and freedom of expression are absolutely core values in the accession process," he noted, "and we want this process to be as transparent and inclusive as possible."
The program concluded on 16 June 2026 in Tirana with a certificate award ceremony and exchanges with the European Parliament's Communication team, the EU Delegation to Albania, the College of Europe and EUIS project representatives.
Photo credit: EUIS Project
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