The Council of Europe and the European Union Delegation to Albania marked the official start of implementation of the Horizontal Facility Action against Bullying and Extremism in the education system in Albania with a launching event on 3 November 2016.

The European Commission’s Progress Report on Albania 2015 and the report of the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance have re-emphasised the importance of enhancing the protection of the rights of vulnerable groups and strengthening of human rights and fundamental freedoms for Albania’s progress in its path towards EU integration.

The €600.000 action will assist the relevant institutions in finding effective means to combat bullying and extremism in the education system in Albania, in line with Council of Europe standards and best practices.

During this launching event, which was attended by all relevant stakeholders, welcoming addresses were delivered by the Deputy Minister of Education and Sport, Mrs Nora Malaj, the Head of Section for Justice and Home Affairs, Public Administration Reform of the Delegation of the European Union to Albania, Mr Stephan Stork, the Head of Council of Europe Office in Tirana ad interim, Mr Olsi Dekovi and the Council of Europe’s Programme Manager of the Education Department, Mrs Vesna Atanasova who jointly re-iterated the importance and relevance of this action.

Following the launching event the first meeting of the Steering Board was held, allowing its members to acquaint themselves with the planned activities.

For further information about this project, please contact:

Delina Cici at [email protected]