In 1990 Albania changed its political system. In 2006 it signed Stabilization Association Agreement with EU and in 2008 received the invitation to NATO membership. 18 years ago it was hard to find a single Albanian who believed the process of democratic transformation would take more than one decade to ensure a place in the European community. Today it is hard to find a single Albanian who believes the country will reach European economic and democratic standards without passing another decade. This evolution reflects the long and difficult the Albanian society has passed from the utopia of 90’ in realization and needs for democratic reforms in a new century.
Civil society in Albania is organic part of this change, prolonged transition, delays in
democratic strengthening, lack of tradition and problematic inheritance of the past. It hasn’t succeeded to forerun political society, but it has walked behind it, as a new sector, fragile, yet not solid. Being such it appears as the most detained element of Albanian transition and in the same time still far from the model of west democratic societies.
To the Albanian civil society it is urgent need full competition of the process of its unmithization, its amalgamation to vertical and horizontal cuttings of society, its identification with visions and projects proceeding development. Its next challenge remains transformation into a functional and effective institution, reliable and partner to other actors in society.
A positive sign to a more solid future for the civil society is the existence of a population relatively young (average age 26 years old), multidimensional exposure to west world, the ending of conflicts and initiation of regional integration into EU, as the always growing expansion of information resources.
Table of Contents
1. Civil Society: The most detained element of Albanian transition
2. Birth of civil society, identity problems
3. Legislation on organizations of civil society
4. Problems of functioning of NPO-s
5. Aspects of focusing of civil society
6. Conclusions
Objectives and Core Themes
This work examines the evolution and challenges of civil society in post-communist Albania, analyzing how historical legacies, repressive communist policies, and a lack of democratic tradition have hindered its development. It investigates the structural weaknesses of non-profit organizations, their complex relationship with the state, and their role in the country's ongoing transition toward European democratic standards.
- The impact of Albania's isolated communist past on contemporary civil society.
- Structural and operational challenges facing Albanian non-profit organizations.
- The legislative framework and its influence on non-profit activities and funding.
- The relationship and conflict between civil society organizations, political actors, and private businesses.
Excerpt from the Book
Birth of civil society, identity problems
Developments of the last 18 years in Albania are proof of the evolution and deep changes in the conception and role of civil society. The main problem emerged in understanding and accepting of civil society concept. During the first stage, with civil society was understood individual or grouped initiatives critical of the government, than the concept was explained with political actors not belonging to political parties and government and finally it was passed to the third stage of efforts for conception of the courier mechanism between the private and state. In the three stages the concept is viewed and understood in an utopian way, followed at the present, when it is has become fashionable the identification with civil society, and its self-identification with the highest moral and professional values in society.
The most important and quick consequence of system change was the development of a new report between state and the individual. Fall of communism also started the fast withdrawal of the state from private sphere and individual’s life. The old (new) state was not able to guarantee safety to citizens, as well as to solve their economic problems. Re-established NPO-s according to ready made models and advice from state and international organisations, attempted to fill in this gap. The same situation was repeated in the case of the big social and political, as those of year 1997 and the Kosovo War 1999.
Summary of Chapters
Civil Society: The most detained element of Albanian transition: This chapter outlines the historical absence of civil society in Albania due to repressive communist policies and total self-isolation.
Birth of civil society, identity problems: This section discusses the evolution of civil society concepts in post-communist Albania and the challenges regarding the identity of non-profit organizations.
Legislation on organizations of civil society: This chapter analyzes the legislative progression from the post-communist constitutional reforms to the 2006 regulations governing non-profit entities.
Problems of functioning of NPO-s: This chapter details the organizational, financial, and structural weaknesses that characterize many Albanian non-profit organizations.
Aspects of focusing of civil society: This section explores the interaction between civil society and political processes, including electoral monitoring and the role of social groups.
Conclusions: The final chapter summarizes the progress made since 1990 and identifies the urgent need for civil society to become a more functional and reliable partner in the democratic process.
Keywords
Albania, Civil Society, Post-Communism, Transition, NPO, Non-profit Organizations, Democracy, Legislation, State Control, Political Mentality, Human Rights, Social Groups, European Integration, Democratization, Structural Capacity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary subject of this research paper?
The paper explores the development, role, and persistent challenges of civil society in Albania during its transition from a communist regime to a modern democratic state.
What are the central themes addressed in the text?
The work focuses on historical legacies, the legislative environment for non-profit organizations, their structural deficiencies, and their strained relationship with the state and political sectors.
What is the core research question or objective?
The objective is to understand why civil society in Albania has remained fragile and "detained" despite significant political changes over the last two decades.
Which scientific methodology is employed?
The author uses historical analysis, review of institutional reports (Freedom House, EU reports), and assessment of legislative changes and organizational data to evaluate civil society progress.
What is covered in the main body of the work?
The body covers the historical impact of the communist state, the emergence and identity problems of NPOs, legal frameworks, financial challenges, and the role of NGOs in political debates and social movements.
Which keywords best characterize the work?
The paper is characterized by terms such as Albania, civil society, transition, NPO, democratization, legislative framework, and post-communism.
Why did the Albanian communist regime suppress civil society more severely than in other Eastern Bloc countries?
The regime implemented a policy of total self-isolation and an "atheist state," prohibiting private property and independent organizations to ensure total control over every aspect of social life.
What role did foreign donors play in the development of Albanian NPOs?
While foreign funding provided necessary resources, it also caused problems by creating a dependency that sometimes deformed the priorities of NPOs, leading them to chase project funding rather than genuine social objectives.
How does the author describe the influence of political parties on civil society?
The author argues that many NPOs are established or influenced by political individuals, leading to a "cycle of transformation" where politicians become activists and vice versa, which compromises the independence of civil society.
What is the significance of the "Enough" and "Office for Citizen Protection" groupings?
These groups are cited as examples of a positive shift in 2004, representing a move from passive seminar-based activities toward concrete public initiatives against government corruption and abuse of power.
- Arbeit zitieren
- afrim krasniqi (Autor:in), 2006, Civil Society. The most detained element of Albanian transition, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/266562
