Skopje, 28 June 2022 (MIA) – I am ready to help young people from North Macedonia to strengthen themselves in creating European projects and to actively participate in Creative Europe. The fact is that culture and youth have always been the focus of our Ministry's agenda. Only in this way we will show a strong position on our path to the European family, and we will include several topics that are of particular importance, such as culture, education, innovation, said Minister of Culture Bisera Kostadinovska-Stojchevska. On Tuesday, she participated in the Western Balkans Ministerial Meeting in Tirana to promote the first Ministerial Platform and met with representatives of the National Youth Congress of Albania. The National Youth Congress of Albania said that the award for Tirana as European Youth Capital this year represents a new path for progress for the city, youth and the country. It is, they add, a new way of collaborating, designing, stimulating and strengthening the city, with and for young people. “In the implementation of EYC 2022 in Tirana, the National Youth Congress of Albania closely cooperates with the Municipality of Tirana and various ministries and government agencies. This is a strong example that cooperation and structured dialogue between civil society and government institutions brings more investment in youth policies and programs, more grant schemes for youth projects, more public spaces for young people to connect and reach their potential, and more synergies and networks,” said the Executive Director of the National Youth Congress of Albania, Dafina Peci. According to the National Youth Congress of Albania, institutions should fully commit their capacities and will and strengthen the country and its youth through development, progress and hard work. “This year, more than ever, Tirana is focusing on young people. The Youth Capital 2022 has already started the year with many activities and events aimed at young people, enabling them to integrate as much as possible into different areas of their daily lives. Tirana is a great example that offers many opportunities for youth engagement. The diverse and authentic program of Tirana EYC 2022 covers a wide range of topics related to youth; such as participation, culture, innovation, youth spaces, European identity, capacity, diversity and eco-health. Activities include workshops, conferences, lectures, open forums, to street parties, cultural events, flash mobs, art and tradition,” added the General Coordinator of Tirana EYC 2022 and the National Youth Congress of Albania, Aspasjana Kongo. dk/nn/