TIRANA- The RYCO Local Branch Office in Albania proudly partnered with the Department of Political Science and International Relations at Epoka University for the successful organization of the EU Decision-Making Simulation School on April 8–9, 2025, bringing together more than 30 high school students for an immersive, two-day educational experience.
The initiative aimed to introduce young participants to the inner workings of European Union institutions while fostering critical thinking, negotiation, and public speaking skills – essential pillars of youth participation and active citizenship.
The first day opened at Europe House in Tirana, where distinguished guests addressed participants on the importance of youth involvement in the EU integration process. These included Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lisen Bashkurti, Dean of the Faculty of Law and Social Sciences at Epoka University; Mr. Jean-Baptiste Le Bras, Deputy Head of the Political Section at the EU Delegation to Albania; Ms. Blerta Rama, Deputy Minister of Economy, Culture and Innovation; and Ms. Ajla Maksuti, Head of Sector at the Center for Openness and Dialogue at the Prime Ministry. Among them, Mr. Kreshnik Loka, Head of RYCO Local Branch Office in Albania, underlined the importance of investing in continuous knowledge and education as a pathway for youth to have agency.
Mr. Kreshnik Loka stated” We want to give young people the opportunity to create their own narrative, to see each other as peers, not as “the other”, and to build a region where reconciliation is real, not just theoretical.”
The afternoon session at Epoka University featured two key workshops. Ms. Flutura Brakaj, RYCO Local Program Officer, delivered an interactive session on debate and negotiation, helping students prepare for their roles in the simulation. The session reflected RYCO’s ongoing commitment to strengthening youth skills in critical thinking, open dialogue, and constructive participation in democratic processes.
The second day brought simulation to life, as students stepped into the roles of decision-makers to debate a timely and complex topic: the EU Common Defense Strategy for Global Stability. The simulation allowed students to navigate the realities of political compromise, national interest, and multilateral cooperation – mirroring real EU policymaking.
This joint initiative once again highlighted the value of collaboration between RYCO LBO in Albania and educational institutions to promote intercultural learning, youth empowerment, and democratic engagement. The simulation’s impact extended beyond the classroom – demonstrating how initiatives like these foster a new generation of knowledgeable, capable, and cooperative young leaders.
