On October 24th, the Albanian Helsinki Committee (AHC) held a Discussion Roundtable to consult on the findings and recommendations outlined in its Position Paper regarding the contributions and challenges of Civil Society in Albania.
The event, moderated by the renowned lecturer and journalist Mr. Lutfi Dervishi, featured opening remarks from the AHC Executive Director Ms. Erida Skëndaj, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Tirana H.E. Mr. Reinout Vos, the Ombudsperson Ms. Erinda Ballanca, Deputy Minister of Justice Mr. Tedi Dobi, and the Chair of the Committee on Legal Affairs, Public Administration, and Human Rights Ms. Klotilda Bushka Ferhati.
The discussion included contributions from civil society organizations actively promoting democracy, representatives from the Agency for the Support of Civil Society (AMSHC), as well as representatives from the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Albania, the French Embassy, and national media outlets.
Key issues raised during the roundtable included the need for legislative changes to address the lack of effective open dialogue and collaboration with institutions, the establishment of an online registry for NGOs, and improved fiscal incentives. The participants also highlighted concerns about unequal competition, declining funding, and the disadvantaged position of local NGOs compared to international ones, which contribute to pronounced disparities in access to financial support.