On 9–10 October 2025, Tirana hosted the ‘Study in Europe Events 2025’, bringing
together many actors in HE sector such as policymakers, higher education institutions,
and international cooperation stakeholders both from Europe and WB region. The two-
day program featured two flagship events: the EU Policy Event “Advancing Quality
Assurance and Recognition in the Western Balkans” and the Contact Building
Seminar “Fostering Erasmus+ Cooperation with the Western Balkans.”
On 9 October 2025, the first day of events welcomed policymakers and higher
education experts for a high-level policy dialogue on quality assurance and recognition
in higher education. It was organized by Academic Cooperation Association with the
support of the European Commission, this event contributed to the implementation of
the 2025 Council Recommendation on a European QA and recognition system and
aligned with the goals of the European Education Area – EEA.
Opening remarks were delivered by representatives of DG EAC, European Commission
and EU Delegation to Albania. In her keynote speech, the Director of the ‘European
University Association’, highlighted the importance of quality assurance in building trust
and facilitating international cooperation in higher education area.
The program featured a plenary panel on Albania developments in QA and recognition,
drawing perspectives from the Western Balkans, Nordic, and Benelux regions, followed
by two thematic sessions. Discussions focused on institutional QA practices and the
practical implementation of automatic recognition of qualifications.
This event provided a crucial platform for discussing the state of play in QA and
recognition, sharing knowledge and expertise, aligning policies, and strengthening
cross-border cooperation in higher education.
On the second day, the representatives of higher education institutions from the EU,
Albania and the Western Balkans convened for the Contact Building Seminar, aimed at
fostering new institutional partnerships under Erasmus+. With a particular focus on
building new partnerships for International Credit Mobility, Capacity Building in Higher
Education and Erasmus Mundus Joint Master, the event brought together more than
150 participants both onsite and online via the b2match platform.
The representative from the European Education and Culture Executive Agency
outlined the seminar’s goals and practical benefits for participating institutions. The
morning sessions provided detailed guidance on Erasmus+ opportunities and step-by-
step advice for newcomers on how to draft successful applications in different actions of
the program.
A panel discussion featured institutional representatives who shared first-hand
experiences and strategies for navigating Erasmus+ challenges — from partnership
development to project management. In the afternoon, participants took part in pre-
arranged bilateral matchmaking sessions, enabling targeted networking based on
academic interests and strategic priorities.
The seminar concluded with an invitation to attend the ‘Study in Europe Fair Albania
2025’, which was held the following day, 11 October 2025, further extending
opportunities for networking and cooperation.
‘Study in Europe Tirana Events 2025’ once again demonstrated the EU’s commitment to
enhancing international cooperation and strengthening the role of higher education in
the Western Balkans.
The last day of the events featured the ‘Study in Europe Fair Albania 2025’, organized
by Campus France, where EU universities welcomed students and high school pupils at
their stands, providing them with information about their academic offerings at all levels
of study.
The Erasmus+ National Office was also present at the fair, where its representatives
informed all interested participants about the opportunities offered by the Erasmus+
Program for young people and Albanian students.
This fair served as a comprehensive information platform, allowing young people to
receive valuable information about EU universities and the procedures for studying in an
EU country, while at the same time enabling EU universities to become acquainted with
the higher education system in Albania, which was promoted by the presenters during
these activities.
