The LRE Foundation is honoured to announce the formalisation of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Council of the Region of Tirana. This agreement marks our first formal cooperation with a regional authority within the Republic of Albania.
The Memorandum of Understanding formalises a shared commitment between the LRE Foundation and the Region of Tirana to work together on initiatives linked to the history and memory of the Second World War. Through this collaboration, we aim to strengthen awareness, education, and public engagement around WWII-related topics, while further anchoring local histories within a broader European narrative of war, resistance, and liberation.
The Region of Tirana stands as a cornerstone of Albania’s administrative landscape, comprising the municipalities of Tirana, Kavajë, Kamëz, Vorë, and Rrogozhinë. With a population approaching one million inhabitants, the region has consistently exercised a central influence on the nation’s political, social, and historical evolution. Its prominence was particularly pronounced throughout the tumultuous period of the Second World War, when Tirana became a key site of occupation, resistance, and eventual liberation. The region’s rich tapestry of historical events underscores its relevance to both national and European historical narratives.
The Second World War and the Liberation of Tirana
The Second World War marked a decisive chapter in the annals of Tirana’s modern history. Commencing in April 1939, the city experienced a period of occupation by Fascist Italian forces, which persisted until September 1943. During these years, Tirana experienced significant urban and architectural transformations shaped by Italian imperial planning, elements of which remain visibly integrated into the city’s contemporary urban fabric.
In September 1943, following significant political shifts within Italy, German forces advanced to occupy Albanian territory. Tirana rapidly consolidated its position as a central command hub for the nascent Albanian resistance movement, where indigenous partisan units spearheaded an impactful anti-fascist struggle. The year 1944 witnessed a marked intensification of these resistance activities, correlating with the shift in the global balance of the war. This escalation culminated in the Battle for Tirana in November 1944, a nineteen-day urban conflict that ended with the liberation of the capital on 17 November 1944.
Albania holds a distinctive position in the history of the Balkans, having achieved liberation without direct military intervention by major external powers. The complete withdrawal of German forces was accomplished by the end of November 1944, a historical event commemorated annually on 29 November as Albania’s National Liberation Day.
A Shared Commitment to the Preservation of European Memory
Mr. Aldrin Dalipi, Chairman of the Regional Council of Tirana, articulated with clarity the strategic imperative and enduring significance of this pivotal agreement. He asserted, “This collective affirmation of unity, a principled stand against fascism and all forms of authoritarianism, constitutes an indispensable message, a legacy bequeathed from the generation that triumphed through the Second World War to all succeeding generations. It is, therefore, our responsibility to vigilantly safeguard this historical patrimony from the corrosive effects of temporal forgetfulness, ensuring its preservation, dynamic revitalization, and sustained prominence within the European narrative. The Regional Council of Tirana views this Memorandum of Understanding with the LRE Foundation as a foundational instrument, a strategic advancement towards achieving membership within this esteemed European initiative. Our overarching objective is to establish the requisite institutional and experiential frameworks, thereby empowering citizens, scholars, and cultural practitioners who possess a deep affinity for history, regional identity, and cultural heritage to engage with and valorise the multifaceted resources inherent to our Region. Through a synergistic collaboration with the LREF, and by strategically leveraging the instruments provided by the Liberation Route Europe, we are committed to integrating our territorial assets and rich historical tapestry into an overarching, compelling cultural and touristic experience that resonates across the continent“.
Rémi Praud, Managing Director of the LRE Foundation, further emphasised the importance of this Memorandum of Understanding as a step forward in long-term cooperation. He stated, “This Memorandum of Understanding with the Region of Tirana is an important milestone for the LRE Foundation and a meaningful first agreement in Albania. It reflects a shared interest in working together on remembrance and education, while recognising the strong place Tirana already holds within the history of Europe during the Second World War. Through this partnership, we can further develop existing connections and ensure these histories remain accessible and relevant for future generations.”
