May 16, 2025
May 16, 2025 | Tirana, Albania
The 17th International Conference on the Economies of the Balkan and Eastern European Countries (EBEEC 2025) opened its doors on May 16th at the MAK Albania Hotel in Tirana, marking a historic moment as the event is held in Albania for the first time. Organized by EPOKA University in collaboration with Democritus University of Thrace, the conference brings together an impressive array of scholars, policymakers, and industry leaders from about 20 countries and more than 80 universities and institutions.
With over 140 participants and 30 thematic sessions, the first day of EBEEC 2025 set a high standard for the days ahead. The conference was moderated by Dr. Nertil Mera, Lecturer at EPOKA University.
The event opened with welcoming remarks from Prof. Dr. Ahmet Öztaş, Rector of EPOKA University, who emphasized the importance of academic institutions in navigating the evolving challenges and opportunities facing the region. “Hosting this conference in Tirana—our nation’s capital and a symbol of regional openness—further strengthens our resolve to contribute meaningfully to regional development and intellectual cooperation,” he noted.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Alba Kruja, Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences at EPOKA University, highlighted the deeper mission of EBEEC. “EBEEC is more than a conference. It is a movement—a gathering of thinkers who believe that economic knowledge can drive regional development, shape sound policy, and build bridges between nations and generations,” she said.
Echoing this sentiment, Prof. Dr. Pavlos Delias of Democritus University welcomed participants with a message of engagement and connection, encouraging attendees to fully immerse themselves in the sessions and networking opportunities ahead.
From the private sector, Brano Djurovic, CEO of One Albania, underscored the role of industry-academia partnerships in shaping the future. Highlighting the contributions of EPOKA graduates to his company, he stated: “At One Albania, our strategic focus lies in advancing digital infrastructure—particularly through the deployment of 5G technology and high-speed broadband. These are key enablers of the economy of the future and vital drivers of sustainable economic growth.”
The momentum continued after the opening ceremony with a keynote panel chaired by Prof. Dr. Dimitrios Kyrkilis and Dr. Chrysanthi Balomenou. Attendees were treated to two compelling keynote speeches:
Throughout the day, conference sessions covered timely and pressing themes including green and circular economies, digitalization and AI, energy security, public finance, labor market trends, ESG and governance.
This year’s edition of EBEEC holds special significance as it coincides with Albania’s hosting of the 6th Summit of the European Political Community, making Tirana the epicenter of both academic and political discourse in the Western Balkans. In her remarks, Prof. Kruja underlined how EBEEC 2025 stands as “a platform for informed dialogue, a space for critical reflection, and a symbol of Albania’s evolving presence in regional and global conversations.”
EBEEC 2025 continues with academic sessions at EPOKA University and will culminate in a Gala Dinner in Durrës, promising continued collaboration, knowledge exchange, and celebration of academic excellence.
