The Mediterranean country is experiencing a sharp withdrawal of young people and skilled workers. Some end up in Austria. But what causes the so-called brain drain? And what should politicians do to prevent society from aging? A local inspection.
One car follows the other. Pedestrians rush between vehicles on the street. Traveling around the Albanian capital around seven in the morning is unthinkable. “Welcome to Tirana. This constant traffic jam is our daily life. There is no solution. The metro cannot be built because of the risk of earthquakes,” said the taxi driver. The traffic problem is literally stuck.
Corruption as an obstacle
The situation with the withdrawal of young people also seems hopeless. There are no exact figures. It is estimated that 30 percent of Albanians live abroad. The current census is expected to provide data next year. The government will then be forced to respond to the so-called brain drain. The question is whether politicians are so reflective and question their work and structures. Because corruption is still the order of the day in the Balkan country, as Bruna Hoxha confirms.
A new start with financial support
“I am a trained math teacher. But if I want to teach at a school, I have to pay my first salary to the director,” says the 25-year-old. As part of a Caritas project funded by the Austrian Development Cooperation, she was able to set up her own tutoring institute with the help of start-up financial support. “When I read that anyone could apply for support, I couldn’t believe it. I just don’t know how decisions are made based on objective criteria.”
Another reason for the departure of young people is the lack of jobs for well-educated Albanians. Despite family-friendly structures such as a 100 euro baby bonus, Lufra, the country’s largest dairy, is losing up to three employees per month who go abroad.
Many students at the HTL in Shkodër are also preparing for life abroad. Austrian companies are looking for interns at the German-speaking school and show them a life with better working conditions and, above all, good wages. This partly solves the problem of the shortage of skilled workers in our country, but Albania is once again left empty-handed. Thanks to Caritas, Katharina Pirker Bruna Hoxha was able to open her own tutoring institute.
“EU perspective as hope”
Albania has been a priority country for Austrian development cooperation since 1993. The development cooperation organization ADA has had its own office in Tirana since 1995. In particular, the Albanian authorities are supported in expanding quality vocational training, reforming financial and labor market management and water supply. A new focus is the fight against corruption. David Muckenhuber, ADA boss in Albania, in an interview.
“Kron”:Many young people see no future in Albania because corruption is still rampant. Teachers apply for positions, but only those who transfer the first salaries to the director get a job. Are you familiar with this situation?
David Muckenhuber: Many Albanians see corruption as an obstacle. That is why more transparency and the rule of law are needed.
How can the Austrian Development Cooperation (ADA) combat this with its projects?
We support Albania with projects to strengthen the rule of law. So far, free legal advice centers have been set up across the country for vulnerable groups and judges are now also being monitored. For many Albanians, the prospect of joining the EU represents great hope for a better life. The ADA is also an excellent partner in this area.
The research trip took place within the framework of the “eurotours” project, financed by federal funds.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
