#mytake

About Us

Europe Plus (E+) is an independent think tank supporting European integration in Albania and the Western Balkans, while contributing to policy dialogue across EU candidate and aspirant countries. Founded in 2017, the organisation brings together a network of experts and practitioners committed to promoting the alignment of regional policies and reforms with European Union standards.

Our work focuses on policy research, dialogue, and capacity-building in areas central to EU accession and regional cooperation. Through analytical publications, training programmes, and strategic partnerships, we support institutions, civil society, and policymakers in addressing governance and reform challenges.

Europe Plus connects regional perspectives with European policy debates. By combining research with practical engagement, we contribute to informed policymaking and stronger cooperation across the Western Balkans and other EU aspirant countries.

At Europe Plus (E+), we believe that the Western Balkans need more than a long-term perspective of EU membership. The region also needs the knowledge, institutional capacity, and partnerships required to advance reforms and accelerate integration.

Founded in 2017, E+ is an independent think tank working at the intersection of European integration, democratic governance, regional cooperation, digital transformation, and the green transition.

In a context shaped by geopolitical uncertainty, technological change, and climate challenges, we support policymakers, institutions, and civil society through:

  • Strategic policy analysis that helps navigate complex reform agendas
  • Executive training and capacity-building programmes across the Western Balkans
  • Policy innovation in governance reform, digitalisation, and green transformation
  • Regional platforms for dialogue and cooperation

E+ works in partnership with public institutions, international organisations, and regional stakeholders to develop practical solutions for EU-related reforms and regional integration.

Our objective is to help the Western Balkans move closer to the European Union through credible reforms, stronger institutions, and deeper regional cooperation.

To contribute to democratic, resilient societies that are fully integrated into the European Union, with a particular focus on the Western Balkans and other EU aspirant countries.

We envision a region where institutions function effectively, innovation thrives, and citizens are empowered to participate in shaping their future. Europe Plus seeks to support this transformation by promoting informed policy dialogue and advancing reforms that strengthen European integration.

Through policy analysis, strategic engagement, and evidence-based solutions, we aim to support EU and regional policymaking, help narrow the convergence gap, and strengthen the capacity of EU aspirant countries to respond to climate, security, and digital challenges.

Europe Plus (E+) works to advance European integration, democratic governance, and sustainable development in Albania and the Western Balkans, while contributing to policy dialogue across EU candidate and aspirant countries.

Through policy research, strategic engagement, and capacity-building initiatives, we support the alignment of national and regional policies with EU standards, strengthen democratic institutions and the rule of law, and promote effective regional cooperation.

By working closely with policymakers, institutions, civil society, and regional partners, we contribute to informed policymaking and help foster a more resilient, innovative, and inclusive European future.

At Europe Plus (E+), our work is guided by three core principles:

  • Rule of Law and Democratic Governance
    We promote strong institutions, accountability, and respect for the rule of law as the foundation of democratic societies and European integration.
  • Evidence-Based Policy
    Our work is grounded in rigorous research, independent analysis, and informed policy dialogue.
  • Civic Engagement and Regional Cooperation
    We support active citizen participation and foster cooperation across the Western Balkans and other EU aspirant countries.

Our Governance

Strategic Advisory Group

The Strategic Advisory Group provides high-level guidance and strategic insight to support the long-term vision and development of Europe Plus. Composed of distinguished professionals with extensive experience in European affairs, public policy, governance, media, and regional cooperation, the Group contributes to shaping the organisation’s strategic priorities and policy engagement.

The Group contributes to Europe Plus’ strategic reflection by:

  • Providing guidance on the organisation’s long-term priorities and strategic development
  • Offering expert perspectives on EU integration, regional cooperation, and key policy developments
  • Supporting policy dialogue and strengthening partnerships withregional and international stakeholders
  • Sharing insights on evolving EU policies and developments across the Western Balkans
  • Dr. iur.

Xhon Skënderi
  • PhD Candidate

Donika Kamberi
  • PHD

Enkeleida Tahiraj
  • PhD

Majlinda Bregu

Board of Directors

The Board of Directors provides overall direction and ensures effective governance and operational oversight of Europe Plus. The Board guides the organisation’s long-term development while safeguarding its institutional integrity and accountability.

The Board’s responsibilities include:

  • Defining and guiding the organisation’s long-term vision and strategic priorities
  • Overseeing organisational performance, project implementation, and operational management
  • Ensuring adherence to the organisation’s ethical standards
  • Supporting strategic partnerships and high-level engagement

Staff

  • Multidisciplinary team with expertise in EU integration, governance, and regional cooperation.
#mytake
Dr. Xhon Skënderi is a legal expert specialising in EU integration, rule of law and cross-border legal frameworks, with over a decade of experience in legal reform and EU acquis alignment. He holds a Doctor of Laws (Dr. iur.) from the University of Passau, Germany, with a focus on European Private International Law, comparative law and European legal systems. He has extensive experience advising public institutions and international organisations on the approximation, implementation and enforcement of EU legislation, including legislative drafting, compliance assessments and institutional coordination. His work spans EU-funded and regional assignments across the Western Balkans, with a particular focus on judicial cooperation in civil and commercial matters, regulatory alignment and evidence-based policy development. Dr. Skënderi is the author of numerous academic publications and policy studies in the fields of European law, cross-border dispute resolution and legal harmonisation, contributing to both scholarly debate and policy practice. Alongside his advisory work, he is an attorney and lecturer, combining academic excellence with practical legal expertise across civil and commercial law.
Ms. Donika Kamberi is a scholar of international law and global politics and currently serves as the Director of the Center for Peace and Transcultural Communication at the University of Tetova. She holds a Master’s degree in Global Politics and International Relations from the University of Macerata, Italy, and is pursuing a PhD in International Law at the South East European University. Her research focuses on peacebuilding, intercultural dialogue, international security, and the Western Balkans, with a strong emphasis on the EU’s role in regional stability and recent studies concerning the Russia–Ukraine war and the protection of civilians under international humanitarian law. Donika has published widely in international journals, participated in global conferences, and represents North Macedonia in international youth and leadership programs. She remains committed to advancing democratic values, conflict resolution, and meaningful cross-cultural cooperation. As Director of the Center since 2021, she has led initiatives promoting peace, dialogue, and cross-cultural understanding through research, conferences, and international cooperation. Kamberi has published widely in journals such as FREEDOM and JUSTICIA, contributed to translation projects, and participated in numerous international conferences and leadership programs, including the ACYPL Exchange Program sponsored by the U.S. Embassy. Her experience with NGOs and multicultural environments has strengthened her commitment to human rights and youth engagement, and she is recognized for her active involvement in academic, civic, and intercultural initiatives.
Dr. Enkeleida Tahiraj is an academic and consultant. She has taught Social Policy, Politics and Sociology at the University of Tirana; University of York; LSE, and UCL where she also directed a research program, was World Visiting Scholar at University of California San Diego and at Penn State University, USA, and Chevening Scholar at Sussex University, UK. She has presented at numerous academic conferences at Oxford, Harvard, UCL, LSE, Urbino-Italy, Petersburg State University-Russia, L-Università ta-Malta, and at policy impact events at FCO, ETF and Wilton Park.  Dr Tahiraj has advised international organizations including the European Commission, EUROFOUND, the UNDP, UNICEF, UN Women and the World Bank, the EU Mutual Information System on Social Protection (MISSOC), evaluated scientific programs for the Portuguese Foundation of Science and Technology, was special Adviser to IDS on WB Growth and Poverty Reduction as well as for national governments reforms. Dr Tahiraj's fields of research are EU Accession and Policy Transfer, Social Inclusion and Democratic Consolidation, Human Rights, Social protection rights-based policies Children, Gender & Family Policies, Social Security, Labour Markets and Employment, CSOs, Universal Basic Income and Policy Innovations.
Dr. Majlinda Bregu, is a policy leader, academic, and former politician with over two decades of experience in European integration, regional cooperation, and governance reform across South-East Europe. She currently serves as a Commissioner of the Pan- European Commission on Climate and Health (WHO).  From 2019 to 2024, Ms. Bregu served as Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council, where she led flagship regional initiatives such as the Common Regional Market, the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans, and the SEE2030 Strategy – strengthening the region’s alignment with EU standards and advancing cooperation under the Berlin Process. Previously, she served as Minister of European Integration and Government Spokeswoman of Albania (2007–2013), and as a Member of the Albanian Parliament (2005–2017), where she chaired both the European Integration Committee and the National Council for European Integration. A sociologist by training, Ms. Bregu has lectured widely at international universities and authored numerous publications on EU integration, governance, gender equality, and social development. Her leadership and commitment to regional cooperation and European integration have been recognized with several distinctions, including the Prespa Dialogue Award (2023) and the European Western Balkans Award (2021).