The Bovilla Lake hiking trail near Tirana offers breathtaking panoramic views, with the clear water of the lake reflecting the sky and the mountains all around it. Lately, this spot has been attracting a large number of climbers or hikers. The Bovilla Lake serves also as a source of water for a large number of Tirana residents, which gives the area a special environmental importance.   

“The experience is beautiful and challenging. It’s my first time in Bovilla and I am amazed by this panorama. It shows me better why we must be responsible citizens, protect and promote the environment, especially areas like this”, says Maria Zharanjaku, one of ten Young European Ambassadors who joined the Saturday hiking with EU Ambassador to Albania, Silvio Gonzato, the French Ambassador Catherine Suard and EU Delegation staff. The hike was part of the EU Green Campaign.

EU Delegation to Albania

Maria Zharanjaku

Besides enjoying nature (and collecting litters left behind by other visitors along the hiking trail), an open discussion took place between the EU and French ambassadors and the EUAs. The discussion was moderated by Xhulia Muçaj, a young legal expert and Young European Ambassador.

“Protecting the environment, protecting biodiversity or climate changes are big issues and big priorities for EU Delegation in Albania and for Albanian people too, because you have such a beautiful landscape, such wonderful nature. It is a huge patrimony that should be preserved. Today was a great opportunity to meet Young Ambassadors, a group of very motivated and committed people who want to contribute for a better future for Albania. We want to work with you more to make sure you are the ones who talk about EU”, said Ambassador Gonzato.

EU Delegation to Albania

French Ambassador to Tirana, Catherine Suard, not only expressed her enthusiasm in discovering a wonderful place like Bovilla but also in meeting YEAs. “I was able to meet these young ambassadors of the EU in Albania which gives us the opportunity to be closer to them, to try to support their activism and optimism and the way of thinking for tomorrow, because Albania will join the EU and as friends we want a strong EU and a strong Albania. And strength means that young people are involved”, said Ambassador Suard.

For Xhulia Muçaj, contributing to a better country through advocating for societal and political change, and encouraging the young generation to be part of this change, is the reason why she is part of the Young European Ambassadors network.

“As the European dream is strongly ingrained in my imagination, I have always believed that the only destiny of Albania is joining the Europe Union. When Young European Ambassadors program was launched for the very first time in the Western Balkan, I considered it an opportunity to learn more about Europe and now I am proud to be part of a network with young talented activists who are determined to bring a real impact in our societies”, she adds.

EU Delegation to Albania

Xhuljana Muçaj

Xhulia has, like many others,  has been considering the idea of leaving the country, but she thinks that if local decisions are aligned to European standards, this would make her and her peers optimistic about staying and building a life in Albania.

Background information

EU Green Campaign launched by EU Delegation to Albania, includes a series of events promoting awareness and individual behavior towards a European green future, whilst Albania continues progressing towards EU Integration. Water management, circular economy, biodiversity, green energy, air quality, and climate change are part of the campaign which aims to raise awareness among Albanian citizens, policymakers, civil society, businesses, and other stakeholders around environmental issues affecting the country.

Young European Ambassador’s is a non-political, activist initiative established in 2020 as part of the EU Regional Communication Programme for the Western Balkans. Coming from different backgrounds, they share a common vision, united in diversity, promoting activism within their local communities, pursuing creative projects and always driven by the idea that activism in youth is the most powerful force of social change.