DATE: 4 JUNE 2018, TIRANA
On June 4 the Foundation Qemal Stafa organized the fifth Panel Discussion on topic: Connectivity in the framework of regional integration. In the Panel Discussion were invited, Mr. Agim Bregasi, Director of Energy Policy, MEI; Mrs. Irena Malolli, Director of Infrastructure Projects, MEI; Mrs. Lilika Radovicka, Head of Sector, Infrastructure Development, Transport Networks and Services Policy and Infrastructure Sector, as well as Ms. Teuta Vodo, Executive Director of the Foundation Qemal Stafa, which moderated the panel.
The discussion panel was focused on creating a connectivity strategy to eliminate obstacles, facilitating regional integration and concentration of the need for cooperation with countries in the region in the area of infrastructure and energy.
Each of the guests provided useful information on the efforts of the Balkan countries to integrate into EU areas.
Initially, Mr. Bregasi spoke about the Energy Market in Albania. According to him, to achieve the long-term goals in the National Energy Strategy are envisaged measures requiring interference in,
- Production electricity system,
- The transmission system of electricity,
- The electricity distribution system.
Further, Irena Malolli laid emphasis on digital integration as a novelty in the connectivity agenda. As a newcomer, digital integration brings easing roaming policies, enhanced security on the Internet, and strengthens trust and data protection services. Such co-operations stimulate the economy and accelerate the introduction of expanded technologies in our region.
Meanwhile, Ms. Radovicka considered the commitment to improve and harmonize the technical policies and standards at national and regional level. Today, an effective co-ordination and communication market has been established and maintained between the six Western Balkan countries, which has served as an added value for the development of the transport sector.
This is a good example of how countries sharing the same attitude, can unite their efforts to better interact on the common regional agenda, as well as to effectively address internal and external challenges.
