21 November, 2006

The perceptions of the Albanian society about the country’s integration in the EU brought together in a round table ministers and members of the parliament, politicians, ambassadors and journalists to attend the presentation “Albania and the EU – Perceptions and Realities”. The survey was conducted by the Albanian Institute for International Studies (AIIS) with the financial support of the Open Society Foundation for Albania (OSFA).

During the meeting, the AIIS staff presented the findings of the survey. It was particularly stressed out that this is the fourth of the surveys carried out by AIIS since 2002, the purpose being to keep track of how the population’s perceptions and expectations over the EU integration evolve over time.  The AIIS is committed to conducting the survey regularly for many years to come.

The conference was conducted as an open forum focusing on the findings of the Survey and the attitude of the various interest groups with regard to the various aspects of the process. Particular attention was paid to the impact that the signature of the Stabilization and Association Agreement earlier in June this year produced on the attitudes and expectations of the Albanians.

The conference was attended by Mrs. Arenca Trashani, Integration Minister, and Mr. Ilir Meta, Head of the Integration Parliamentary Commission.