Academy of Political Studies

The Academy of Political Studies is a non-profit non-governmental organisation founded in 2009 to implement the programme of Albanian School of Political Studies (ASPS). The ASPS is a programme established in the wider framework of the Network of Council of Europe Schools of Political Studies whose main objective is to contribute to fostering a democratic culture throughout Europe. In Albania the programme seeks to encourage the emergence of a new community of young political and civic leaders dedicated to implement a democratic model of governance and development. The ASPS thus aims to promote a political culture embodying the values of pluralism, tolerance and open dialogue. Since 2010 the ASPS programme is implemented largely through financial support from the Council of Europe and the Swiss Cooperation Office in Albania (SCO-A).

The Academy of Political Studies (ASP) is a non-governmental organization established in 2009, in the care of the Council of Europe, with a view to fostering a generation of young political leaders and civil society dedicated to the implementation of the best democratic models of governance and development. ASP is the structure responsible for organizing the "School of Political Studies" program in Albania and is part of a wider network of Council of Europe political schools established since 1992 with the aim of training future generations of the political, economic, cultural and social leaders in the transition countries.

ASP activities are grouped in two main directions: training and capacity building, as well as contributing to democratic and reform processes in Albania. Training and capacity building, implemented through its two main programs, which are:

- "Albanian School of Political Studies (SHSHSP)
- "Local Administration Training Program"

The Albanian School of Political Studies has been operating since 2007. Its focus is on young politicians, public administrators and civil society leaders who exchange experiences and knowledge and also train in a number of areas such as: good governance at the central level and local, public policy, political communication, EU policies and legislation, as well as the involvement of underrepresented communities in political processes.

"Local Administration Training Program" provides tailor-made training according to the needs of elected and local administration, with the aim of increasing capacities and exchanging experiences among local government units. Mayors and officials of various municipalities of the country have the opportunity to sit together without the usual political and geographical differences to share the best experiences in solving the daily problems in their work.

Participants in ASP training and capacity building programs have a unique opportunity to familiarize themselves with topics and issues as well as experience from national and international experts. They also establish new contacts that enable their integration into professional networks in Albania and beyond. ASP aims at achieving a gender balance of participants in its programs as well as an equal representation of ethnic and religious minorities when they meet the admission criteria in its programs.

ASP's contribution to democratic and reform processes in Albania includes a number of programs as well

- "First voter education and awareness on elections and democracy"
- "Public Dialogue on Sustainable Energy Use".
- "Regional Academy of Democracy"

These programs aim at direct impact on the transformation of Albanian society and European integration of the country.