Category: <span>News & Events</span>

A very productive and forward-looking meeting was held between Luarasi University and the Center for Comparative and International Studies at the premises of Luarasi University, focusing on one of the key deliverables of the project “Transformative Educational Strategies: Fostering Inclusion and Shared Values in Juvenile Justice through Dynamic Correctional Pedagogy and Specialist Professionalization, Empowered by the ‘LiberateSkills’ Correctional Excellence Pact for Skills” (Project: 101179359 — CORE-ED ACADEMY — ERASMUS-EDU-2024-CBHE).

The discussion centered on the development of the “Complete Package of Training Guides and Manuals”, led by CCIS with the active contribution of all partner universities. This deliverable represents a major milestone in shaping innovative learning approaches in juvenile justice. A particularly significant component of the project is the introduction of two pioneering curricula in correctional pedagogy, among the first of their kind in Europe. These curricula adopt a “pedagogy-first” approach, integrating law, psychology, social sciences, and education to better prepare professionals working with children and youth in contact with the law. The authors’ group is working closely with project partners while actively consulting key stakeholders to ensure relevance, quality, and long-term impact.

The project is funded by the European Union and coordinated by Luarasi University, in partnership with International University of Sarajevo, AAB College, UBT, University of Montenegro, READLAB, Center for Promoting Lifelong Learning, Center for Comparative and International Studies, University of the Aegean, and West University of Timișoara: universiteti Mesdhetar i Shqipërise

Disclaimer: Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or EACEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

#COREEDAcademy #ErasmusPlus #JuvenileJustice #HigherEducation #CapacityBuilding #InnovationInEducation #CorrectionalPedagogy #CCIS #LuarasiUniversity #EUProjects

Training of Trainers për Kurrikulën mbi Shërbimet Publike dhe Mbikëqyrjen nga Këshillat Bashkiakë

Më 26–27 mars 2026, ekspertët e Qendrës për Studime Krahasuese dhe Ndërkombëtare (CCIS) zhvilluan Training of Trainers (ToT) për kurrikulën nr. 3 me temë: “Politikat, instrumentet (entet/ndërmarrjet) për shërbimet publike dhe mbikëqyrja nga këshilli e performancës dhe e kontratave për shërbimet publike, si dhe menaxhimi i aseteve për ofrimin e tyre.”

Ky trajnim është pjesë e përpjekjeve për forcimin e kapaciteteve të këshillave bashkiakë në Shqipëri, duke u fokusuar në rolin e tyre në politikëbërje, përdorimin e instrumenteve ligjore dhe mbikëqyrjen efektive të performancës së shërbimeve publike dhe kontratave me të tretët.

Trajnimi u zhvillua në kuadër të Akademisë së Trajnimeve për Qeverisjen Vendore (TALGA) dhe projektit “Bashki të Forta”, financuar nga SDC dhe Qeveria e Suedisë, dhe zbatuar nga Helvetas, në bashkëpunim me ASPA, AMVV dhe Shoqatën Kombëtare të Bashkive të Shqipërisë.
Kurrikula është hartuar nga CCIS, ndërsa ToT u realizua me kontributin e ekspertëve Nevila Xhindi, Dhurata Çupi dhe Olta Qejvani, me mbështetjen e Artan Rroji.

Qëllimi i këtij trajnimi ishte përgatitja e një rrjeti trajnerësh kombëtarë, të cilët do të vijojnë të zhvillojnë trajnime për këshillat bashkiakë në të gjithë vendin, në kuadër të TALGA.

Disclaimer: Me mbështetjen e Helvetas International Cooperation Albania në kuadër të projektit “Bashki të Forta” për Contract-no: C- 032/2025 /Project no: 1401.04.3.0 “Technical Assistance for Supporting the Development of three Training Curricula for the Municipal Councils in Albania”

Youth participation is a term that appears in almost every policy document concerning young people in the Western Balkans. Yet, the gap between stated commitment and meaningful practice has become one of the defining frustrations for a generation increasingly disillusioned with democratic institutions.

The project “A Cross Regional Predictive Model for Youth Policy Shaping – Youth Observers” (Y-O Model), funded by the European Union under the Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Youth programme, was built on a different premise. Instead of asking young people to take part in processes designed by others, it explored what becomes possible when youth are positioned as co-organisers from the very start.

The Y-O Model unfolded in three interconnected phases. The first phase focused on the youth observers themselves, providing capacity-building sessions that combined policy analysis methodology with leadership training, alongside study visits to public institutions and civil society actors across partner countries. These visits gave participants direct access to high-level decision-makers.

The second phase put this preparation into practice. Youth observers led national stakeholder consultations, mapping relevant actors, testing initial policy assumptions, and building relationships needed to collect data. They then convened and facilitated national roundtables to test their preliminary findings with the same stakeholders.

The third phase involved the production of six policy papers addressing youth mental health, employability, and political participation. These were not commissioned reports; they were researched, drafted, and presented by the youth observers themselves, with support from mentors in partner organisations, in direct engagement with the institutions they were analysing.

The project’s impact was felt on three levels. For the youth observers, the experience marked a transition from participation to civic agency. Moving through the full cycle—from capacity building to stakeholder consultation to policy contribution—strengthened their confidence and motivation to remain active in youth policy beyond the project period.

For partner organisations, sustained collaboration enhanced institutional capacity to work with and for young people. The establishment of informal national youth observer networks extended each organisation’s reach and laid a foundation for ongoing engagement.

At the institutional level, the roundtable process demonstrated that meaningful collaboration between youth, civil society, public institutions, and international organisations is possible even in contexts where cross-sectoral trust is difficult to build. Stakeholders were engaged not merely as an audience for conclusions, but as active participants in the research process itself.

You can download & read the document: Y-O-Model-Project-Summary-Report-1

Disclaimer: This document is produced in the framework of the ERASMUS-YOUTH-2023-CB: A cross regional predictive model for youth policy shaping – Youth Observers. Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Education and Culture Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

We are proud to present the 2025 Annual Report of CCIS, a year defined by growth, impactful partnerships, and meaningful change across the region.

As a dynamic and forward-looking think tank, CCIS continued to strengthen international cooperation, applying global expertise to inform decision-making and support sustainable-development. Throughout 2025, our work focused on applied research, #capacitybuilding, and collaborative projectimplementation, reinforcing our role as a partner for governments, institutions, and communities.

This year marked important milestones, including initiatives that empowered youth, advanced inclusive education and employment, strengthened trust in data, and supported local governance. From leading major European initiatives such as the HUMAN-IT COST Action, to implementing impactful Erasmus+ projects and fostering dialogue with young people across Albania, CCIS remained committed to building resilient, inclusive, and future-oriented societies.

We invite you to explore our journey, achievements, and impact throughout 2025!

You can download and read the report here: Annual Report 2025 CCIS

We are excited to announce a new project, ENGAGEUROPE – Mobilising Citizens for the Future of European Democracy through Data-driven Advocacy, Engagement, and Mobility, where CCIS is a partner.

In a time when democratic participation and trust in institutions are increasingly challenged across Europe, ENGAGEUROPE brings together civil society and academic partners to strengthen civic engagement, dialogue, and citizen participation in shaping the future of the European Union.

Led by SCiDEV and funded by the European Union under the CERV Programme, the project will run from February 2026 to September 2027, engaging partners from across Europe and the Western Balkans.

As a partner, CCIS will contribute to fostering structured dialogue, youth engagement, and evidence-based policy discussions on key EU priorities, including democratic governance, enlargement, and digital transformation.

We look forward to contributing to a more inclusive, participatory, and forward-looking European democracy.

Disclaimer: In the framework of the project “Mobilising Citizens for the Future of European Democracy through Data-driven Advocacy, Engagement, and Mobility” (ENGAGEUROPE, Project No. 101253265), funded by the European Union under the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values Programme. Views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency.

Digital participation should go beyond access and technical skills. The key democratic question is whether young people are meaningfully involved in shaping the rules that govern the digital space.

As a partner in the EYDR – Youth Participation in Digital Democracy project, CCIS contributed to strengthening youth agency in digital democracy across Albania, Montenegro, Serbia and Spain. Over two years, the project combined research, capacity building and cross-border cooperation to support young people in moving from digital engagement to policy influence.

Through mapping research, the Youth Digital Democracy Accelerator Programme and international exchanges in Belgrade and Oviedo, the initiative helped translate lived digital experiences into structured democratic participation and policy-relevant advocacy.

EYDR demonstrates that digital transformation must be accompanied by democratic safeguards, rights-based governance and meaningful youth inclusion.

Read the full EYDR Project Summary Report here: EYDR Project Summary Report

DISCLAIMER: This article is part of Youth Participation in Digital Democracy: From Digital Skills to Digital Rights of Youth with Fewer Opportunities (EYDR) project, aimed to strengthen the capacities of Albanian and Montenegrin youth to meaningfully engage in digital activism through an approach that balances protection and digital participation.

EYDR is funded by the Erasmus Capacity Building in the Field of Youth of the European Union and is implemented under the leadership of SCiDEV in partnership with UZOR, Beogradskicentar za ljudskaprava, AsociaciónYouropia, Centre for Comparative International Studies, Erasmus Student Network in Albania, National Youth Agency in Albania, and SHARE Foundation. Opinions in this article are solely of the author and do not necessarily represent the views European Union stand on the matter.

On this International Women’s Day, CCIS celebrates the contributions, leadership, and resilience of women everywhere.

Through its projects, initiatives, research, and partnerships, CCIS is committed to promoting women’s participation, supporting gender equality, and amplifying women’s voices in society. By fostering dialogue, knowledge-sharing, and inclusive policymaking, we aim to contribute to a future where women and girls have equal opportunities to lead, innovate, and shape sustainable and inclusive communities.

Today, we celebrate the achievements of women and reaffirm our commitment to advancing equality and empowerment for women everywhere!

Over the past two years, young people from Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Italy have gone from observers to advocates researching youth employment, mental health, and civic participation, and bringing their findings directly to policymakers.

Through the Erasmus+ project “Y-O MODEL,” Youth Observers co-led consultations, organized policy roundtables, and met with parliaments, mayors, and government agencies across the region. The final event in Tirana brought it all together, presenting the developed policy papers and strengthening connections with Agjencia Kombëtare e Rinisë, showing that youth policy must be rooted in meaningful inclusion.

Their message is clear: youth policy should be built with young people, not just for them! And the journey doesn’t end here! Youth Observer networks will continue driving informed, youth-led policy recommendations across the region, supported by project partners.

Disclaimer: This document is produced in the framework of the ERASMUS-YOUTH-2023-CB: A cross regional predictive model for youth policy shaping – Youth Observers. Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Education and Culture Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

HUMAN-IT – COST Action 24167 Launching Networking Activities & Grant Opportunities!

As the Grant-Holding Institution of CA24167, CCIS Albania is proud to support the launch of networking activities and grant opportunities designed to foster mobility, scientific exchange, visibility, and capacity building across our three Working Groups!

Open on a rolling basis:
Short-Term Scientific Missions (STSM): Research visits to advance collaboration across COST countries.
Young Researchers & Innovators (YRI) Conference Grant: Support to attend and present at high-level conferences.
Dissemination & Conference Grant: Promote visibility and share HUMAN-IT research results internationally.

Applications will be evaluated on scientific quality, contribution to Action deliverables, interdisciplinarity, inclusiveness, and the potential to strengthen collaboration within the HUMAN-IT network.

Early-career researchers are particularly encouraged to apply via e-COST.

Learn more & apply: https://lnkd.in/eTwRXyua