On 16 February 2026, the EIT Community Hub Albania, together with the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sports and under the framework of the Creative Europe Desk Albania, hosted “Harvesting Innovation with EIT Culture & Creativity” at Vila 31. The event was dedicated to unlocking opportunities under EIT Culture & Creativity and Creative Europe for Albania’s cultural and creative ecosystem.
The event opened with remarks by Ms. Lira Pipa, Deputy Minister at the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sports; Ms. Rina Plaku, Head of Creative Europe Desk Albania; and Dr. Françeska Korançe, EIT Community Officer at EIT Community Hub Albania.
Opportunities for Albanian creative industries
Ms. Angelica Monaco, Director of the EIT Culture & Creativity Regional Hub South, then presented an overview of the innovation, business creation, education, and transformation opportunities available to Albanian stakeholders. Participants gained insights into how to access EIT calls, mentorship, cross-border partnerships, and market-oriented support schemes. Ms. Regina Vathi from Creative Europe Desk Albania followed with an introduction to the opportunities offered under Creative Europe.
The programme continued with an interactive mentoring session on access to funding and opportunities, led by mentors Mr. Arben Papadhopulli and Ms. Anjeza Sinani and facilitated by Ms. Regina Vathi. Participants received practical guidance on accessing funding, building competitive proposals, and strengthening European cooperation, helping cultural operators, SMEs, academia, and innovators position Albania strategically within Europe’s cultural and creative innovation landscape. The day concluded with a networking lunch.
The event brought together academia, creative professionals, SMEs, cultural operators, and public institutions, strengthening collaboration and reinforcing Albania’s role in Europe’s cultural and creative innovation ecosystem.
How can you get involved?
If you’re interested in delving deeper into the EIT’s offerings and discovering how it can support you on your innovation or entrepreneurial journey, please reach out to the EIT Community RIS HUB Albania: albania@eitcommunity.eu or follow the LinkedIn page: EIT Community Hub Albania and EIT Community RIS Hub in Albania country page.
