With the Albanian capital of Tirana’s reign as the European Youth Capital entering the final stretch, attention is turning to quantifying the success and lasting impact of the initiative amid criticism from those on the ground.
The title is awarded by the European Youth Forum annually to boost youth participation and strengthen European identity.
“Tirana, they divided work in eight pillars covering different thematic topics, for instance, about employment, about, about European dimension, European values,” Ivan Neirotti, project officer at the European Youth Forum who administers the title, told EURACTIV in an interview.
Tirana was selected by a jury in 2019 to hold the title for 2022 with a programme focussing on economy and innovation, culture, capacity, participation, diversity, European values, eco-health, and spaces.
From over 2000 proposals from individuals, NGOs, and non-formal groups, 360 were awarded, resulting in hundreds of events impacting some 40,000 youth, according to a Tirana Municipality report from June 2022.
Money better spent elsewhere?
But some have questioned whether the funds, all put forward by the municipality, could be better spent elsewhere.
Dr Blerjana Bino, media researcher and founder of the Sci-Dev think tank believes the title generated a considerable momentum for the city but says the lack of investment in long-term initiatives was regrettable.
“Holding the title gave Tirana a huge momentum at the regional and international level in promoting the city but it does not translate entirely into profound changes or benefits for Tirana’s youth who still face everyday same old problems, and we still witness massive youth migration,” she told EURACTIV.
The capital of Albania is home to just over half a million people, a quarter of which are children. The city has experienced a big influx of population over the last ten years and the result is overcrowded schools and kindergartens, shrinking green spaces and playgrounds, and problems with water services and public transport.
You cannot get rid of these issues by waving a magic wand, Bino added.
Albania headed for labour market crisis due to youth emigration
Those that need it most
But the European Youth Forum are clear that cities are awarded the title, not because they are a great example of providing services for youth, but because “ the title is also awarded to cities that in a way need it the most.”
Neirotti says it should spotlight the city positively and give it a chance to invest in youth projects within the EYC framework that can have short- and long-term impacts.
“It has also been proved that after the end of the title, the city was able to in a way to have a return in investment sectors because of the title,” Neirotti said, adding it should be seen as an investment in changing how the city works with youth.
A report published by the forum assessing the last 10 years shows that it can indeed be a significant boost for cities in terms of tourism, visibility, and increased revenue.
Thessaloniki, which held the title in 2014, saw an increase of 30% in hotel bookings during the EYC year, Cuj Napoca saw a 21% rise while in. Braga in 2012, the municipality estimated some EUR 11.5 million was pumped into the local economy.
Neirotti adds, “investments in infrastructure, either creating new or renovating existing places, during the EYC year leaves a lasting legacy, ensuring the availability of youth spaces for future generations.”
Concerns over transparency
Bino also said it is important to hold the municipality accountable regarding how much was spent, on what, and why.
“I think what we must insist is on holding these politicians accountable, pressing for more transparency and empowering journalists, activists and other groups to act as a watchdog and to counter the propaganda with quality information, data, and critical coverage,” she said.
Rezarta Caushaj, a local journalist, academic and policy expert, told EURACTIV, ”Some €1 million was pledged for activities, but there is no transparency on how funds are allocated and what goes to projects and logistic and administrative costs.”
Concerns were also raised that the initiative was being used for electoral purposes in Tirana, which is technically forbidden under local law.
“Activities and investment regarding the project started in 2021 [the year of general elections], the year before it was the city’s turn to hold the title and, by a decision of the Municipality’s Council, it will end by mid-2023. That is a month after the local elections, in which the mayor will seek another term,” Caushaj added.
However, Bino argues, “It created a more vibrant space for youth with events, training, workshops, travels, concerts, and other cultural and sports activities” while allowing youth to connect with each other.
Corruption and the death of a child
When Tirana won the title in 2019, local activists were concerned over conditions in the capital, alleged mafia links, accusations of corruption against the municipality, lost court cases for using children’s images without parental permission, and the 2017 death of a child working illegally on a landfill site championed by the mayor as a great place to work.
Neirotti was clear that the EYF does what due diligence it can and asks municipalities to sign a code of conduct, which, if not respected, can see the title withdrawn.
“We do our best to consider the cities that apply for the title holistically. But of course, there may be things we are not aware of. In the end, this is the balance that the jury needs to consider before making a decision,” Neirotti said.
He added that every city has problems but believes that as long as the youth benefit, it is a fair price to pay.
“The message we want to pass is that we want this title to be for the young people- that we get changes for the city’s young people.”
Looking beyond 2022
With three months left of Tirana’s year, the situation on the ground remains challenging, with many youth dreaming of a life abroad. Bino explains there are a number of priorities to improve conditions for the city and its youth.
“Ensuring suitable public transport, improving digital infrastructure in education, expanding sports areas and green spaces, ensuring financial support for education for the disadvantaged, creating job opportunities including self-employment and support to start-ups for young people,” were just a few of her suggestions.
But in the long term, there is some hope for Albania’s youth on the horizon. In November, at a general assembly in Tirana, the European Youth Forum will vote on Albania’s National Youth Congress joining their ranks.
As for the outcome of the year of youth, Neirotti said Albania and its youth congress have “shown to be able to represent Albanian youth at the European level and canalise their desire and aspirations for a better country and future.”
