Europe Week 2023 will start in Tirana, on May 16, with the inauguration of the mosaic of the façade of the National Historical Museum, restored thanks to the EU4Culture programme. Ahead of the inauguration ceremony, a special dance performance will take place at Skanderbeg square with choreography by Enada and Gerd Vaso. The evening will continue with a concert. Kamela Islamaj, Orgesa Zaimi, Gjerg Kaçinari and Sardi Strugaj will make sure participants have a great evening.

The journey continues to some of Albania's most remarkable cities, where local talents have flourished with the support of the EU. In Dibra, on 18 May, local products will be promoted, the tourism potential of the region and in cooperation with the Austrian Embassy in Tirana, a concert will be organised by the Austrian trio Alicia Edelweiss.

Shkodra, with its rich history and artistic heritage, will be the next stop of Europe Week 2023, on 19 May, with the authentic "Xhubleta Festival". Producers of various elements of the xhubleta will show their skills to young people. An exhibition by photographer Roland Tasho showing personalities dressed in xhubleta, a parade with this centuries-old garment and a performance of the Shkodra Ensemble with the Xhubleta dance will close the celebrations. In Cerrik (20 May), a Training Career Day will be held at a professional high school and celebrate the International Bee Day.

In Vlora (21 May), known for its stunning coastline, the positive impact of EU investments in the infrastructure of the city and the skills required to be able to offer the best service possible to the many tourists visiting the region will be highlighted.  

The stonemason Ermal Makri, in Gjirokastra, will show to young people through a masterclass how to make art with stones and keep the ancient family tradition alive (on 22 May). In Korça (23 May), innovative digital skills with traditional artisanship will be combined.

The celebrations of Europe Week 2023 in Tirana close on 26 May with a digital fair and festive concert at the Polytechnic University.

Europe Week 2023 promises to be an unforgettable celebration of skills and EU support in Albania. Here you can find more details on the programme: