As part of international academic cooperation, the opening ceremony of the inter-regional workshop of the BAUHAUS4EU European University Alliance, titled  “Inter-Regional Meeting: Education-driven Resilience,” was held yesterday at the premises of POLIS University.

This important event brought together around 70 participants from nine European universities. The meeting was attended by rectors, chancellors, academic and administrative staff, as well as regional stakeholders from Albania, Germany, France, Italy, Greece, and other partner countries of the Alliance.

The ceremony opened with a welcome address by the Minister of Education and Sport, Ms. Mirela Kumbaro, who praised the contribution of POLIS University to raising academic standards. The Minister emphasized that organizing international events of this level is a key step toward EU integration, highlighting the excellent progress Albania is making in Chapter 25, Science and Research, and Chapter 26, Education and Culture, which are among the most advanced chapters toward closure in the negotiation process.

The Rector of POLIS University, Prof. Dr. Besnik Aliaj, in his remarks emphasized the university’s vision, the importance of being an active part of the BAUHAUS4EU Alliance, as well as the partnership with Co-PLAN, including local and regional partnerships and the territorial planning reforms developed over the years. 

The meeting was also addressed by  Prof. Dr. Artan Hoxha, Chair of the Conference of Rectors, who likewise highlighted the importance of alliances in building academic capacities, fostering interaction, and addressing the challenges they bring in order to overcome them.

The first session, opened and moderated by the Vice Rector for Research and Internationalization of POLIS University, Dr. Elona Karafili, was concluded by Dr. Tonia Schmitz, Secretary General of BAUHAUS4EU. Dr. Schmitz presented the Alliance’s achievements to date and the challenges that require even closer cooperation with regional stakeholders in order to ensure concrete and tangible results for society.

The workshop is expected to take place from May 5 to 7 at the premises of POLIS University, as well as through various field visits, not only in Tirana but also beyond. The main objective of BAUHAUS4EU remains to create a positive and meaningful impact on the development of the regions represented by its member institutions.