Our activities and participation in events and media
Participating in the IDU Forum and in the Parliamentary Intelligence Security Forum in Washington D.C.
The Albanian Conservative Institute (ACI) took part in Washington, DC in the proceedings of the International Democrat Union (IDU) Forum, the principal center-right political family bringing together conservative parties and organizations that govern the United States and much of the European Union – as well as in the Parliamentary Intelligence & Security Forum, held at the United States Senate, at the invitation of the forum’s organizer, Congressman of Robert Pittenger.
ACI was represented by its Executive Director, Nikola Kedhi, who during the visit held meetings and discussions with senior American and European political figures, including U.S. Senator Dave McCormick (Pennsylvania), U.S. Senator Thom Tillis, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Congressman Michael McCaul, former Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Congressman Brian Jack, a member of the Republican House leadership and former Director of Policy Planning at the White House under President Donald Trump, as well as Ambassador Carla Sands, currently leading foreign policy at the America First Policy Institute.
In the framework of the IDU Forum and related political meetings, discussions were also held with Stephen Harper, President of the IDU and former Prime Minister of Canada; Dolors Montserrat, Secretary-General of the European People’s Party (EPP); Patrick Voller, EPP Director for External Relations; Enda Kenny, former Prime Minister of Ireland; as well as other senior European and American center-right leaders and policy figures.
During the visit, ACI also held a meeting at the Hudson Institute, where its Executive Director was received by Mr. Peter Rough, Director for Europe at Hudson. The Hudson Institute is one of the most influential conservative strategic think tanks in the United States, with a long-standing impact on U.S. national security and foreign policy, NATO strategy, and responses to geopolitical challenges posed by Russia, China, and other actors hostile to the West.
At the center of all discussions was Albania: the serious threat posed by drug cartels and organized crime, the failure of the judicial reform, state capture, and the consequences of these phenomena for democracy, security, and Albania’s Euro-Atlantic orientation. These concerns are shared alike by Albanian citizens and by strategic partners in Washington and across European capitals.
The message from partners was clear: Albanians – and in particular the Albanian center-right – have many friends in the United States and the European Union, ready to support democratic change, but there is a strong expectation that democratic forces in Albania rise to the challenge and take responsibility for the country’s future.
The Albanian Conservative Institute will continue to serve as a clear, credible, and committed voice in defense of freedom, the rule of law, and Albania’s firm anchoring in the Western world.
Meeting with the EPP International Secretary and visiting the US Embassy in Brussels
Our cofounder and Board Member Enri Ceno visited Brussels recently, meeting with the EPP International Secretary Patrick Voller, and visiting the US Embassy in Brussels.
Coverage of the Albanian Conservative Institute Report on the model of the Albanian economy
Our Institute’s Co‑Founder and Board Member, Ted Kopliku, took part in the World Forum for Democracy at the Council of Europe, together with the ASP 2025 generation, in an event that reminded us that democracy today is at risk everywhere. The forum discussions emphasized that the main reasons for democracy’s loss of ground are the decline in citizen participation, the erosion of trust in public institutions, the growing polarization fueled by social networks, and the rapid changes brought by technology in how we make decisions and access information.
Yet, through the ideas and experiences shared by young people and experts from around the world, a clear message was conveyed: democracy can be reborn only through people’s participation, transparency, and the building of trust. A special highlight was the meeting with Venezuela’s legitimate President, Edmundo Gonzales, who, together with María Corina Machado and other courageous opposition leaders, challenged and exposed the farce of Maduro’s narco‑regime.
A powerful inspiration for the challenges and opportunities that also await us in Albania.
Coverage of the Albanian Conservative Institute Report on the model of the Albanian economy
The recently published report Albania’s Economic Model – Dependency on Illicit Money, Consequences, and Solutions was featured in a substantial number of the country's media, which dedicated parts of their coverage to our Institute and the report, through interviews and online articles.
ACI Board Chair Speaks at the symposium “The Border between Hope and Death”, organized by the Authority for Information on Former State Security Documents
Lindita Komani, founding member and board chair of ACI, participated and spoke at the symposium “The Border between Hope and Death”, organized by the Authority for Information on Former State Security Documents (AIDSSH) that took place in Shkodra on August 29, 2025.
As a guest speaker and researcher in the session “Escape, Persecution and Resistance during the Communist Regime in the Years 1944-1990, Ms. Komani gave a presentation on the topic “Intergenerational Effects of Trauma in Communist Albania”, where she presented some of the findings of her study based on research and statistical evaluation of questionnaires conducted with children of the victims of communism.
Of particular interest to the study is the much higher presence of anxiety in this social group compared to the general population, the impact of parental trauma on many variables studied in children, as well as the urgent need to turn our attention in a serious and professional manner to the victims of communism who are still living and their children, something which has not been done during the 35 years of post-communist transition.
ACI welcomed CPAC and American Conservative Union delegation
ACI welcomed from a delegation from CPAC, from the United States to discuss the relationship between the two countries and explore areas for cooperation
ACI welcomed the British delegation
ACI welcomed from the British Parliament a delegation from the British Conservative Party, and organized several roundtables with the best Albanian representatives from the media, judicial sector, international relations, national security and politics.
We were honored to host Mr. Andrew Rosindell, MP and Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs, member of the Foreign Affairs Committee; Mr. Martin Vickers, MP, Chairman of the UK-Albania Cross-Party Friendship Group and former British Government Envoy for the Balkans; Ms. Philippa Broom, former Director of External Relations and board member of the Conservative Women's Forum; and Mr. Pierre Plumeajau, political advisor to Andrew Rosindell MP.
Human Rights Conference
The ACI and the Foundation for Freedom and Democracy organized a roundtable and passed a resolution together with more than 21 other organizations from civil society on the human rights violations in Albania
Conference on the Economic Program of the Democratic Party
Experts from the Albanian Conservative Institute made considerable contributions and proposals to the DP electoral program, which were accepted by the main center right party in the country.
Together with the DPA experts, Mr. Geoffrey Van Orden from the British Conservative Party, Mr. Steve Bucci from the Heritage Foundation, Mr. Grant Van Cleve, Executive Director of the American Albanian Chamber of Commerce, and other distinguished guests, we presented our proposals.
Meeting with Trump campaign manager Chris LaCivita and his American team and discussing campaign related strategies
ACI participated at the ARC conference with hundreds of center right and conservative organizations.
We met with Jordan Peterson, Heritage Foundation President, Kevin Roberts, Americans for Tax Reform VP, Lorenzo Montanari, the Republic representative Arian Aghashahi, and many other international partners and friends.
ACI participated at the New Direction Conference Think Tank Central conference, Freedom in a Changing World with tens of center right and conservative organizations.
We met with Nicola Procaccini, co-chair of the ECR, Rob Roos, former MEP and board member of New Direction, Roberts Zīle, Vice President of the European Parliament, as well as other representatives from the European Union and the United States.
The Director of the Conservative Institute delivered a speech at the panel organized by the Heritage Foundation, moderated by Kiron Skinner, on the topic "Fighting the Dark Ones: Frontlines of Standing for Political Freedom", which addressed the political situation in Albania, the May 11 elections, and the growing authoritarianism in the country.
Victims of Communism Foundation Event
ACI through the Chair of the Board Lindita Komani, was invited to the United States of America by the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation to present the findings of the study conducted by Ms. Komani and other more general data on communism in Albania.
Konrad Adenauer Stiftung collaboration
ACI has an ongoing great working relationship and collaboration with the Albanian office of KAS
National Day of the Order of Malta
The ACI has a great relationship with the Embassy of the Order of Malta, who we consider a partner and friend to Albania
ACI participated in the Sixth Transatlantic Summit in Madrid
ACI was represented by its Executive Director, Nikola Kedhi at the Sixth Transatlantic Summit in Madrid, meeting with long standing partners and friends such as James Carafano and Jay Richards from the Heritage Foundation, Arian Aghashahi from the Republic, Austrian MP Gudrun Kugler, and many other distinguished politicians and leaders across Europe and the US.
ACI participated at the GLOBSEC conference
ACI was represented by its Executive Director, Nikola Kedhi at the Globsec conference. We were the only non governmental organization to attend from Albania, meeting distinguished leaders from Europe and the US, such as Guido Crosetto, Italian Defense Minister, James Carafano from Heritage Foundation, Thibault Muzergues from the International Republican Institute, Vjosa Osmani, President of the Republic of Kosovo, Steve Clemons from the National Interest, Balasz Orban, Political Director of the Hungarian Prime Minister, Viktor Orban.
ACI participated at the Economic Roundtable with DP and Interest Groups
ACI Executive Director, Nikola Kedhi and former Minister of the Economy and Trade and ACI expert Florion Mima participated in the Economic Roundtable with the DP Chairman Sali Berisha and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry representatives to exchange views on the economic situation and way forward.
We participated at the Atlas Network annual summit
ACI was represented by its Executive Director, Nikola Kedhi at the Atlas Network gathering in Madrid.
ACI was invited to participate at the Western Balkans Forum organized by New Direction Foundation
ACI was represented by its Executive Director, Nikola Kedhi at the Western Balkans summit, in which he was invited to speak on a panel with representatives from the region.
Executive Director Nikola Kedhi invited to speak at the Danube Institute event
Executive Director Nikola Kedhi was invited to speak at the Rule of Law conference in Budapest, organized by the Danube Institute.
Cofounders Nikola Kedhi and Ted Kopliku invited to speak at the training organized by Leadership Institute, IRI and Democratic Party of Abania, with participation of Ron Nehring and Peter Smallwood.
Participation of ACI members and founders in various events in Albania and abroad, including those related to or together with UN, Heritage Foundation, Nazione Futura, Ordo Iuris, Center for Fundamental Rights
Constant media presence of ACI members and founders in most Albanian media and international ones as well.
