Mission
The Albanian Policy Center (APC) is a conservative, center-right Albanian Think Tank founded in Tirana, in December 2013 by Edith Harxhi, a diplomat and former vice Minister of Foreign Affairs.
It was re-established in January 2024 by Nikola Kedhi, Diana Mjeshtri, Ted Kopliku, Endrit Reka and Gent Kaprata, a group of professionals and intellectuals, experts in the fields of finance, economics, territoriality, international relations, national security and governance.
Mission Statement:
The Albanian Policy Center is dedicated to advancing conservative principles and promoting democratic governance, national security, and economic prosperity in Albania and the Balkans. As the first institution of its kind in the country, our mission is to serve as a beacon of conservative thought, the home of all center-rights currents and an advocate for free markets and entrepreneurship, limited government, supply side policies, the fundamental importance of the individual in society, the sanctity of private property, the irreplaceable role of family, the relevance of history, tradition, community and culture, and the need for the rule of law, decentralization and strong institutions as the only recipe that has been proven time and again to bring nations to prosperity.
We want to champion and propose policies and solutions that benefit all Albanians. We seek to influence policy, educate and train the leaders of the future, through the work of professionals at home and the support of international like – minded institutes and think tanks.
Through rigorous research, policy proposals, and active engagement with the relevant stakeholders, we aim to counter radicalism, adversarial geopolitical influence, and promote democracy, prosperity and stability in our region. The national interest is our guiding star, while the European Union remains our natural home. The partnership with the United States and the United Kingdom, for us, is of fundamental importance.
We seek to empower citizens, foster civil engagement, and collaborate with like-minded partners, to drive meaningful change and build a brighter future for Albania and its people.
The Albanian Policy Center is an independent, non-partisan and non-profit organization.
The work of the Albanian Policy Center is based on the following pillars:
- Individual freedoms and private property
- Free markets and capitalism
- Supply side policies and limited government
- National interest and patriotism
- European Union as our natural home and strong and strategic partnerships with the US and the UK, as well as all the western countries
- Democracy, checks and balances and strong institutions
Vision Statement:
Our vision is to establish the Albanian Policy Center as a premier hub of conservative thought and advocacy, recognized for its integrity, relevance, and impact on policy and decision-making in Albania and the broader Balkan region. We aspire to be catalysts for positive change, leading the charge for democratic reforms, economic revitalization, and the protection of individual liberties and traditional values. Through collaboration with partners at home and abroad, we envision a future where Albania emerges as a prosperous, free, and democratic nation, standing as a bulwark against authoritarianism and advancing the shared values of freedom, opportunity, and human dignity.
The Albanian Policy Center’s highest governing body is the Executive Board, led by the Chairman of the Board, who ensures the mission and vision of the think tank are respected and guarantees the integrity of the institutions. The Executive Board members are directly involved with the implementation of the programs and projects of the Think Tank. The Executive Board is composed of 5 (five) or more Albanian professionals who have the expertise in the areas/pillars of the Think Tank, are committed to its everyday work and set the strategic goals of the institution.
The Executive Director of the think tank oversees the daily operations of the firm, overseeing the departments and the implementation of strategic initiatives outlined by the board of directors. They are responsible for cultivating a dynamic and collaborative work environment, fostering innovation and excellence in research, and maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and ethical conduct.
Additionally, the Executive Director and the Chairman of the Board serve as the liaisons between the Albanian Policy Center and external stakeholders, including government officials, policymakers, donors, and partner organizations, to ensure effective communication and alignment of objectives.
The Albanian Policy Center has also founded an Albanian Excellence Associate Council, a group made of Albanian young professionals around the world, who have graduated a postgraduate degree/ doctoral/ post-doctoral degree, or are about to graduate so, internationally renowned Universities around the world or are distinguished Albanian professionals in their field of expertise in the developed world and international organizations.
Lastly, APC has several departments which include governance and territoriality, economic policy, foreign relations and national security, civil engagements and participation. Each department has a Head of Department supported by a team of experts in the respective fields.