The much-delayed population census is set to start next week in Albania, with EU Ambassador to the country, Luigi Soreca, stating it is important in the context of its accession to the European Union.
Since Albania’s independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1912, it has held 11 population censuses, with the first conducted in 1923. The most recent census was carried out in 2011, while the 2021 census has been delayed twice.
“As we know, Albania in the region generally faces specific demographic challenges, so it is important to have statistically reliable information regarding this part that has to do with housing, with social issues, and also with the protection of groups in need and that of minorities. This census and the further development of the statistical system in Albania is certainly very important in the context of the negotiations for Albania’s accession,” Soreca said.
On Wednesday, at an event to launch the census, Prime Minister Edi Rama said the need to conduct the population headcount was urgent.
“The realisation of a census became an urgent need after independence and started after 1918. Today, I believe the conditions are right to start a process of such importance and to do it according to European standards,” said Rama.
He added it is important to know how many Albanians live in the country instead of just how many have property here.
In addition, he praised the assistance from the EU and other partners in funding and providing expertise to the process.
“I say that the conditions have been created because we have French, Swiss and German partners, all known for their spirit of precision and their experience of being accurate in counting, and we have the support of the EU, with a significant fund where 55% is placed available from the government, the rest from these partners. For German partners, we have GIZ, which has shown its seriousness and added value,” Rama added.
He also noted the use of high-level technology, which will give results in real-time. INSTAT, the country’s state statistics agency, will process the data.
“INSTAT has an undoubted experience, it is one of the few institutions in this country that is depoliticised. And INSTAT’s experience in cooperation with experts in the field in the world is an asset”, said Rama.
The last census received widespread criticism for inaccuracies, particularly regarding minorities, resulting in them losing out on valuable resources allocation. Critics say that it significantly undercounted ethnic minority groups such as the Roma and Egyptians.
The registration of the actual population, as well as the settlements of the actual population, is of great importance for the planning of public investments for budget allocations for public services, such as kindergartens, schools and health services.
This time, there is a big interest in ascertaining exactly how many people have left the country in the last ten years. Estimates suggest that at least 700,000 people have left the country in the last decade, but how accurate this is and how many have returned is not known.
Albania’s population is estimated at around 2.7 million, the lowest point since the end of the communist regime in 1991.
(Alice Taylor | Euractiv.com)
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