An "EU–Albania Policy Dialogue Seminar on Inclusion of Roma and Egyptian Communities: New Challenges in Albanian Social Development" was held on 20-21 February 2014 in Tirana, co-organised by the European Commission’s Directorate General for Enlargement, the EU Delegation in Tirana and the Ministry of Social Welfare and Youth. Albanian Deputy Prime Minister Niko Peleshi, Minister of European Integration Klajda Gjosha, Minister of Social Welfare and Youth Erjon Veliaj, Director General for Enlargement at the European Commission Christian Danielsson, and Head of EU Delegation to Albania Ambassador Ettore Sequi addressed the seminar.

Speaking at the event, European Commission Director General for Enlargement Christian Danielsson said: "Strong political will at all levels is required. Roma and Egyptian inclusion has to become a national priority, not just in strategy papers, but in actual engagement on the ground, supported by a genuine sector policy."

To support these efforts, Mr Danielsson announced the European Commission’s commitment to increase support for Roma and Egyptians inclusion in the coming years under the new Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA II). To improve coordination, efficiency and visibility of EU financial support, tailor-made actions will continue to be financed under the relevant national programmes and as part of a global IPA envelope, in the framework of the so-called "Roma inclusion facility".

Minister of Social Welfare and Youth Erion Veliaj, addressed the conference: “So far, the progress on the Roma and Egyptian communities has been an exception rather than the rule. Commitments and strategies are only as good as the action that follows. The seminar will draw a very concrete plan of action for ALL, both for the national and local level for further advancement of the integration of both communities. Such plan should be clear for all, should engage both communities in a meaningful process and bring a real impact on the lives of children and communities.” He reassured that the MSWY will continue to lead government efforts toward Roma and Egyptian communities to break structural barriers, influence policies that are inclusive and shape a system that is open, friendly, and equal for all. “The public as well has a role to play by ending the discrimination, stigmatization and by taking positive actions toward inclusion and breaking the barriers”, he said.

The Policy Dialogue Seminar on Inclusion of Roma and Egyptian Communities provided the opportunity to jointly take stock of the implementation of the actions agreed at the December 2011 Seminar on inclusion of the Roma and Egyptian communities, inform about actions taken so far, discuss problems encountered at both national and local level, and identify possible solutions to improve the effective implementation of Albanian inclusion policies. EU experts, representatives of the central and local authorities, the civil society and international organisations provided opinions, and exchanged experience and best practices on inclusion of Roma and Egyptian communities in five key areas: civil registration, education, vocational education and training and employment, housing and infrastructure, and social and healthcare services.

Albania committed to reinforce engagement in Roma and Egyptian inclusion, update the operational conclusions and the plan of measures of the December 2011 seminar, and ensure their effective implementation without further delay.

In its 2013 Enlargement Strategy, the European Commission identified reinforcing the protection of human rights, including of Roma and anti-discrimination policies, as one of the five remaining key priorities for the opening of accession negotiations with Albania.