Exchange with the Albanian Youth Association KRK

During the discussion, KRK reported on the current situation of young civil society in Albania. With the Youth Act 75/2019, Albania has established a legal framework for youth activism, youth participation, support for young people and cooperation with youth organisations. At the same time, a lack of structural funding, predominantly project-based work, limited resources outside the capital, high emigration of young people and inadequate consultation procedures pose major challenges for the young civil society. KRK also reported that, as Albania’s national youth federation, it had not pursued the recognition process in protest against inadequate consultation procedures regarding the Youth Act and out of concern over state interference.

KRK made it clear that the situation in Albania is representative of similar challenges across the Western Balkans. These include the need for reliable funding, strong youth federation structures, the participation of young people in rural areas, and systematic regional cooperation. Access to funding through European programmes and foundations was also discussed.

The Federal Youth Council looks forward to continuing the dialogue with KRK and further strengthening the friendship between the two youth councils. With regard to European networking, Albania’s EU integration process and the challenges facing young civil society in the Western Balkans, this exchange remains an important contribution to international youth policy based on solidarity.

About the Albanian youth organisation KRK

The National Youth Congress of Albania (Kongresi Rinor Kombetar, KRK) was founded in March 2013 in Tirana with the support of the Friedrich Ebert Foundation and the Olof Palme International Centre. KRK brings together youth organisations, informal groups and the youth wings of political parties, and is committed to exchange, advocacy and capacity-building. KRK is listed as a member organisation with observer status at the European Youth Forum (YFJ).

The DBJR and KRK share a long-standing friendship. A key starting point was the support provided in establishing functional youth federation structures and in exchanges on committee work, membership and European networking. Since 2017, there have been regular meetings, including at plenary assemblies and in bilateral exchange formats, for example as part of the ‘Tirana European Youth Capital’ programme.