Laurena Kalaja | Building Bridges for Democracy: The Role of German-Albanian Cooperation Advancing Democratic Politics

Join us for this seminar by Laurena Kalaja, entitled 'Building Bridges for Democracy: The Role of German-Albanian Cooperation Advancing Democratic Politics'.

Abstract

This presentation will explore the impact of intergovernmental cooperation between Germany and Albania on fostering democratic politics in Albania, particularly in the context of its ongoing EU membership application. As Albania navigates the challenges and opportunities of democratization, Germany has emerged as a key partner in promoting democratic reform, good governance, and the rule of law. This cooperation has been instrumental in aligning Albania's institutional frameworks with the EU's ddemocratic standards while addressing local problems.

The talk will first examine the role of Germany as both a bilateral partner and a leading voice within the EU, highlighting its contributions to institutional capacity-building, judiciary reform, anti-corruption measures, and media freedom in Albania. The bilateral relationship is analysed within the broader framework of Albania's EU accession process, emphasizing how the support of the German government has been a catalyst for democratic innovation and structural reforms in Albania.

Furthermore, the presentation reflects on how the challenges of intergovernmental cooperation, such as overcoming entrenched political polarization and disinformation in Albania, illuminate broader tensions in democratization processes. Drawing on interdisciplinary perspectives it also considers how external democratic influences intersect with local democratic activism and participation, creating a dynamic interplay between external guidance and internal agency. In this light, the German-Albanian partnership offers insights into how international cooperation can contribute to democratization, even in contexts of political polarization, providing lessons for broader regional and global governance.

About the speaker

Laurena Kalaja is a lawyer at the Albanian Chamber of Advocacy and has served as the legal representative of POLIS University in Tirana, Albania. She is the co-founder of Active Learning Lab, an education  center, and has been the Science Communication Coordinator for multiple European COST Actions since 2020. Her expertise spans human rights, international law, and constitutional law, enriched by her experience as a Judge Assistant at the Durrës Judicial District Court.

Laurena has been a visiting scholar at several UK institutions, funded by the European Union, with a research focus on law and policy. She is fluent in English, French, and Italian. She has presented at major academic conferences, including the British Society of Criminology (2024), NISE, and BASEES Annual Conference. Laurena has also authored several publications contributing to legal and criminological studies.