Support for women, common priority

The Minister of Health and Social Protection, Albana Kociu, along with the European Union Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos, paid a visit to Elbasan today. On the second day of her first official visit to Albania, Commissioner Kos visited the European Union -funded projects.

Minister Kociu and Commissioner KOC initially stopped at a carpet knit worker, who is supported by an EU grant. Launched in 2021, the Initiative has transformed an asset that has been confiscated to criminal activities into a highly active social enterprise. Managed by the Joscyn Foundation, in cooperation with Partners Albania in Elbasan and Libera from Italy, the workshop offers local women – some of whom have been victims of organized crime – opportunities to learn new skills, find employment, and reach financial independence for their families.

Commissioner Kos and Minister Kociu then participated in an in -depth conversation, in a safe environment, with survivors of domestic violence and gender -based violence. Organized by World Vision Albania and the Elbasan Women's Forum, the meeting emphasized the impact of EU funded support for victims, including psychological counseling, legal aid and economic empowerment programs.

Commissioner Kos and Kochi heard the personal experiences of these brave women and learned how the project is helping them to rebuild their lives. « During this visit we were also at the Empowerment Center for women and girls 'Rise Her' where we met with strong ladies, including survivors of domestic violence, which are building a better future for themselves and their families, » said Minister Kociu. She stressed that support for women and the creation of safest and most comprehensive communities remains a common priority. « Together, we are building a stronger Albania and closer to the EU, » adds Kociu.

Twist (towards a new model of social enterprise for assets confiscated in Albania) is an EU-funded € 500,000 initiative aimed at reuse of seized assets for social enterprises. The project, which was successfully finalized in February 2025 by Libera, the Municipality of Tirana and Albania's partners, supported local NGOs, such as the Joscyn Foundation, for the creation of social enterprises that provide services and employment for vulnerable groups, including victims of crime. Social enterprises for confiscated assets were supported in Durres, Fier, Gjirokastra, Shkodra and Puka.