The European Union project for the Roma community, Veliaj: Success story, today they live with dignity

Tirana is an example of success for the integration of the Roma and Egyptian communities. This is what the mayor of Tirana, Erion Veliaj, said this weekend, who brought the capital's good example to the conference "For more education and employment opportunities for the Roma and Egyptian community in Albania", where the European Union project was presented, in cooperation with The "Soros" Foundation, for the integration and employment of Roma in Elbasan, Vlora and Shkodër. "I am happy that the Municipality of Tirana, in this case, is not on the side of the receivers, but on the side of the givers, after a fantastic experience we had in this field with the European Union and the Soros Foundation. There is nothing impossible! In Tirana, it used to be a trend to sell on the streets and corners of intersections. Meanwhile, today the trend in Tirana is to sell in markets: we have two markets, the 'Mihal Duri' market, at Palati me Shigjeta, and the market in Shkoza. In Tirana, we have proven that the culture of giving a chance, embracing and including is valid. We made the city better, it makes the communities more dignified. For all our Roma and Egyptian brothers and sisters, it makes Albania a place where we see the future, and not a transit country from where they have to go to another country. Tirana is a success story, which I believe will be embraced as a concept in Elbasan, Shkodër and Vlora, with the three super mayors there," he declared. Veliaj further praised the project and all other EU initiatives, which according to him, have improved many areas of life in our country. "Sometimes it is very important not to become cynical. I realize the biggest sport in the country is being cynical, suspicious and to think that behind every blade of grass there is always a conspiracy. This is an opportunity for three municipalities, given generously, so we have to see things for what they are. This is a good will of the European Union, bringing the example of Tirana", underlined the mayor Veliaj.