Jeff Brindley/

As a business owner you are responsible for every decision for your business.  It is easy to be so busy that you do not spend the appropriate time thinking about and planning for your retirement.

When asked, a large number of business owners will say that their retirement plan is to sell the business.  Unfortunately many business owners have used their retirement to start up their business so now they are relying on the sale of their business to provide for their retirement.  Of course there are many issues with this plan.  Even though it is “your” basket it still isn’t a great idea to put all of your eggs there.  Most business owners do not have a strong plan for selling their business and maximizing the sale.  Lastly, market conditions and other issues like health may require you to sell your business before you are ready and for pennies on the dollar.

That’s why I recommend to my business clients that they plan for at least three sources for funding their retirement.  Of course selling their business could and should be one main source to fund their retirement.  Business owners work hard to build their business and making sure they are get the most out of it at retirement is the smart thing to do.  Social security could be another source to supplement retirement as well.  The third leg of the stool that many business owners miss is saving in a strong retirement plan to further support their retirement.  Many business owners are busy putting money into their business but as we have seen selling the business may not bring as much to retirement as the business owner expects.

When thinking about setting up a retirement plan it is important to think about what you are looking for in a retirement plan.  That helps give us as financial advisors the information we need to make the appropriate recommendations.  Just the simple question of “Do you have employees?” helps us to whittle down the plans that would be best for you and your business.  We need to figure out what is important to you as the owner.  

There are many options for retirement plans.  Picking the right plan is essential to achieving your goals for your business, your retirement and your employees’ retirement. The Solo 401(k) is good for maximizing contributions of the owner and a spouse.  The Solo 401(k) is limited to the business owner and the spouse.  It does not allow for other employees on the plan.  You have various options for the structure of your company and the contribution limit went up to   $61,000 in 2022 if you are under the age of 50.  A catch up contribution of $6,500 is available if you are 50 and over.

The SEP IRA is easy to administer, you can have employees, the plan is fully funded by the employer up to 25% of income or $61,000. This is another good plan for sole proprietors to put away a large sum for retirement each year but it can be expensive if you have employees because you have to fund the employees’ accounts using the same percentage.  Also, catch up contributions are not allowed in this plan.

The SIMPLE IRA is limited to fewer than 100 employees.  Employees can contribute up to 100% or $14,000 to their retirement.  Employees 50 or older can also add a $3,000 catch up per year.  The employer is required to contribute between 2-3%.  The employer can contribute up to $61,000 a year with a $6,500 catch up. It is easy to set up and has few administrative burdens.  Each employee can select the advisor that they would like to manage their account.

A simple 401(k) is limited to less than 100 employees.  Employees elect to contribute and the plan can use auto contribution if they want to make sure as many employees enroll as possible.  In that case the employee can opt-out if they would like.  There are many options for the employer contribution including none at all.  The company must file a 5500 but they are not required to do non-discrimination testing.

A Roth IRA can be a good option for sole proprietor owners that are not making a lot of money and want tax free distributions in retirement.  However there are income limits to be able to contribute to a Roth IRA so make sure that you check with your tax preparer before contributing to one of these accounts.

The Cash Balance Plan can be one of the most complicated plans but can also be one of the most beneficial for the owner if they need to play catch up with their retirement.  The plan is technically a defined benefit plan but acts like a defined contribution plan.  It is one of the best plans for owners that need to play catch up.  It is best suited for owners in the 50 to 70 age range.  Employer contributions are mandatory but there is also a high level of tax deductions for the employer.  Check with your tax preparer to understand the tax benefits.  The participant cannot direct the investments in this plan and generally the returns are moderate.  The payout comes at the termination of employment and is NOT paid out monthly like most defined benefit plans.  When this money is paid out it can be rolled over into an IRA and the money can be used to purchase an annuity. Here are the typical prospects for a cash balance plan.  Medical Groups, Law Firms, Professional Firms (CPAs, Engineers, Architects), Family Businesses, Closely-Held Businesses, Companies With Older Owners, Business Owners Who Value Asset Protection, Companies Trying To Attract Staff.

Business owners can use a cash balance plan in conjunction with a 401(k) plan.  This is a great strategy for some business owners because they can put a significant amount (this amount is variable depending on the plan structure and age of the participants) away for retirement.  This type of plan could also be used by a junior member of a firm or a young doctor to buy out the business or medical practice.  A doctor is a good example for this type of plan since much of their income is spent on education and on setting up their office when they begin practicing.  Many doctors end up playing catch up for their retirement later in life.  This is a little more complicated strategy so please contact me if you have an interest in this strategy. 

So to recap, business owners are very busy starting and running their business.  It is important not to forget about planning for retirement.  You need to ease the burden a little and don’t rely only on selling your business.  Having three sources of retirement helps to ease the burden and create peace of mind in retirement.

Jeff Brindley is a financial advisor at RWS Financial Group.  He contributes his financial column Brindley’s Briefs to Gazeta Dielli every month.  You can reach him at 833.797.4636 X137 or via email at Jeff.B@RWSGroup.org.

Securities offered through Registered Representatives of Cambridge Investment Research, Inc. a broker-dealer, Member FINRA/SIPC. Jeffrey Brindley, Investment Advisor Representative, Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc. a Registered Investment Advisor. RWS Financial Group is not affiliated with Cambridge Investment Research.

Dr. Igli Tola

Pedagog, Ekspert Ekonomie

Europa duket se është mbërthyer nga një valë inflacioniste që po del përtej edhe skenarit më pesimist. Në Eurozonë inflacioni nuk  po ndalet, saqë në një prognozë  paraprake për marsin, publikuar pak orë më përpara, kapte nivelin rekord historik +7.5%. ‘Rekord’ i ri, pas ‘rekordit’ të shkurtit +5.9%, norma më e lartë e rregjistruar që nga futja e monedhës së përbashkët Euro. Ndaj, shumë ekspertë po hedhin tezën se inflacioni faktik gjatë 2022 do të jetë me shumë gjasa dyshifor, mes 10-15%.

Çmimet e energjisë, hidrokarbureve dhe jo vetëm po i rrisin në mënyrë të frikshme kostot e jetesës për qytetarët europian.

Këto shifra kalkuluar në nivel europian, nuk bëjnë gjë tjetër veçse përforcojnë analizat e bëra në rang kombëtarë nga shtetet anëtare. Gjermania bëri të ditur se inflacioni arriti në 7.6%, për herë të parë që nga bashkimi i 2 Gjermanive (asaj të Lindjes me Perëndimin). Ndërsa Spanja mban kryesimin për marsin, 9.8%, gjë e padëgjuar në 37 vitet e fundit. ‘Promotorët’ e këtij inflacioni në vlera stratosferike janë së pari çmimi i energjisë që shënon një rritje +44.7% në krahasim me të njëjtën periudhë një vit më parë (gati +13% rritje nga shkurti i këtij viti) ; nafta bruto që vijon të luhatet në $110 për fuçi, pasi OPEC nuk po jep shenja të rritjes së prodhimit për të amortizuar ekspansionin e çmimeve të hidrokarbureve, çmime të pazakonta këtë dekadën e fundit ; gazi natyror që është lënda djegëse dominante për ngrohjen e shtëpive europiane dhe vënien në funksion të industrisë, kuotohet mbi 190 Euro për MËh në bursat kryesore të ‘komoditis’ ; produktet ushqimore të shtrenjtuara mesatarisht me 5%, kryesisht ato me origjinë nga Ukraina e Rusia, etj.

‘Goditja’ e madhe e çmimeve bazë, të cilat ‘filtrojnë’ haluçinacionet e çmimeve të pazakonta të energjisë dhe naftës, , ka rritur ndjeshëm riskun e ‘rrënjosjes strukturore’ të inflacionit të lartë, inflacion që do të na shoqërojë për gjatë, dhe jo vetëm një fenomen i përkohshëm. Një situatë që do të mbarset në ‘efekt orteku’ në vijimësi te kostot e përgjitshme të sipërmarrjeve, shpenzimet e përditshme të konsumatorëve, me rrezik për të nxitur edhe psikozat e ‘stoqeve’ dhe ‘spekullimeve’.

. . . . .

Nga frika e “Stagflacionit”, Banka Qëndrore Europiane po tregohet akoma e rezervuar për të operuar direkt me instrumentin e saj kryesor të politikës monetare, rritja e normës bazë të interesit për monedhën Euro.  Dilema është e madhe: rritja e normave të interesit për të qetësuar inflacionin, apo kjo gjë do të sillte më tej një përballje akoma më të rrezikshme me rrezikun e frenimit të rritjes ekonomike në ekonominë e Eurozonës, që nuk kishte shumë që kishte filluar të jepte sinjale pozitive për rimëkëmbje dhe ekspansion të qëndrueshme pas periudhës së vështirë pandemike. Sa larg duhet të shkohet me lehtësimet sasior, duke mbështetur rritjen ekonomike pa shkaktuar rritje të inflacionit, kjo është pyetja ‘1 milion dollarshe’ që askush nuk po i jep një përgjigje ezauruese ende.

Përkundër këtij hezitimi të BQE, apo edhe ndërhyrjes minimale nga Banka e Anglisë që e çoi normën bazë nga 0.5% në 0.75%, apo FED amerikan që e korrektoi po me 0.25% ; Banka e Shqipërisë vendosi ta dyfishonte normën tonë bazë, nga 0.5 në 1%, pas më shumë se 11 vjetësh.

A ishte ky një veprim i nxituar, apo i rakorduar me partnerët tanë? Kjo mbetet për tu parë.

Duke kuptuar që volumi ynë tregtar me Eurozën kap 75% të totalit të importeve tona, duke u kompletuar nga Rusi-Ukrainë me mbi 2.7%, Serbia etj; këto tregues janë të mjaftueshëm për të kuptuar se ‘importimi’ i inflacionit dhe krizës do të vijojë po aq gjatë sa të stabilizohen tregjet europiane dhe botërore. Në këtë mënyrë ndërhyrja në tregje duhet të ishte bërë më e rakorduar dhe kujdesshëm, pasi shfrytëzimi i pothuaj tërë hapësirës që të lejon norma bazë e interesit që në fillim (kur presim që inflacioni të rritet më tej), na lë pak hapësira në të ardhmen.

Stagflacioni ku kemi hyrë, është një nga spiralet më delikate të ekonomisë. Prodhimi i brendshëm qëndron në stanjacion, ndaj mundësitë e punësimit ulen. Në nivele të larta papunësie, të ardhurat e disponueshme të shoqërisë tkurren dhe ndaj ata kanë më pak para për të shpenzuar e konsumuar në përditshmëri. Ama në të njëjtën kohë inflacioni rritet në mënyrë konstante, duke i bërë mallrat dhe shërbimet shumë më të shtrenjta, dhe paratë që kanë njerëzit nëpër duar të vlejnë në real shumë më pak. Çdokujt ky përkufizim besoj i duket se përshkruan qartë gjendjen e ekonomisë sonë sot. E nqs nuk ndërhyet në kohë, me nisjen e falimentit të një pjese të kompanive vendase, apo ndërprerjen e aktivitetit normal papunësia do të rritet më tej eksponencialisht, dhe stagflacioni do të thellohet.

Stagflacioni është i rrallë, edhe i rrezikshëm, sepse të ardhurat e njerëzve zvogëlohen por në të njëjten kohë rriten kostot e jetesës. Menaxhimi i tij duhet të jetë i ngjashëm me një operacion kirurgjikal kompleks, por pa prekur funksionalitetin e organeve të tjera. Me veprime të kujdesshme dhe të studiuara, jo me ‘goditje të përqëndruar’ e inerci.

Presidentja e Republikës së Kosovës, Vjosa Osmani-Sadriu, sot ka pranuar letrat kredenciale nga ambasadorja e parë e shtetit të Izraelit në Republikën e Kosovës, Tamar Ziv.

Presidentja Osmani ka rikutjuar raportet miqësore me popullin izraelit edhe përpara vendosjes së marrëdhënieve diplomatike.

“Populli i Kosovës ka hapur dyert dhe zemrat për popullin hebre në ditët më të vështira, e sot, qëndrojmë të gatshëm të thellojmë bashkëpunimin në të gjitha fushat, përfshirë ekonominë, sigurinë, inteligjencën, shëndetin dhe arsimin. Bashkëpunimi ndërshtetëror do të thellohet tutje”, tha Presidentja Osmani.

Memorializimin e viktimave të Holokaustit, Presidentja Osmani e ka cilësuar si një mësim, të cilin mund ta marrë Kosova nga Izraeli për t’i kujtuar viktimat e luftës dhe për t’i shqyrtuar mundësinë e mbështetjes dhe bashkëpunimit në këtë drejtim. Këtë iniciativë, Presidentja e kishte filluar në bashkëpunim me kryetarin e Kuvendit të Izraelit (Knesset) gjatë periudhës si Kryetare e Kuvendit të Kosovës.

Ndërkaq ambasadorja Ziv e falënderoi Presidenten Osmani dhe popullin e Kosovës për mbështetjen ndaj popullit hebre në ditët më të errëta e deri më sot, si dhe përkushtimin për forcimin e marrëdhënieve ndërshtetërore, duke shprehur gatishmërinë për thellim të raporteve në të gjitha fushat. Ambasadorja përmendi hapat e ndërmarra deri më tani, duke përfshirë thellimin e bashkëpunimit në energjetikë, kulturë, turizëm, rritjen e këmbimeve tregtare, shtimin e bashkëpunimit ndërparlamentar dhe memorializimin e luftës.

Presidentja Osmani kërkoi mbështetjen e Izraelit edhe në fushën diplomatike, gjegjësisht në fitimin e njohjeve të reja dhe anëtarësimin në organizata dhe iniciativa ndërkombëtare. Në këtë drejtim, Presidentja gjithashtu kërkoi që Izraeli t’i heqë përfundimisht vizat për shtetasit e Kosovës, gjë që do ta mundësonte rritjen e turizmit nga të dy vendet.

International Conference Organized by Albanian Studies Program  Department of Eastern and Central European History and Historical Russistics Faculty of Humanities, Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE BTK), Budapest in partnership with the Institute for Foreign Affairs and Trade, held on 24-25 March 2022

Prof. Dr. Musa Ahmeti

Center for Albanian Studiues

The International Conference “100 Years of Hungarian-Albanian Diplomatic Relations” held on 24-25 March 2022, was organized by the Program of Albanian Studies, at the Department of History of Eastern and Central Europe and Historical Russian Studies, at the Faculty of Humanities, Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE BTK), Budapest in partnership with the Institute of Foreign Affairs and Trade (IFAT).

Although relations between Hungarians and Albanians have deep historical roots, diplomatic relations between Hungary and Albania were institutionalized in March 1922 and the first credentials were submitted on May 31, 1922. The multilateral relations arising from the framework created through these political relations between Albania and Hungary during the last 100 years, have shown that both countries have had a strong will to overcome the difficulties created by global challenges such as World War II and communism and have been able to intensify their dialogue not only in political and diplomatic fields, but at all levels, as evidenced by this recent conference.

After the official opening of the conference with Albanian and Hungarian anthems sung by the beautiful voice of the well-known Albanian soprano who lives and works in Hungary, Ms. Alisa Katroshi, the floor was given to Dr. Etleva Lala, director of the Albanian Studies Program to introduce the participating authorities and researchers. The Dean of the Faculty of Humanities at ELTE University, Prof. Dr. Dávid Bartus, greeted the conference participants noting some of the main activities of the Albanian Studies program in these last 10 years. He emphasized the fact that in addition to the regular teaching of Albanian, a language that is becoming more and more attractive due to the increased attention of Hungarian politics and society towards Albania and Albanians, the program has organized many scientific activities, such as international conferences, workshops, round tables, book presentations and has been a scientific center, where political and academic personalities have been invited not only from Hungary, but also from the region. Prof. Dr. Bartus emphasized the importance of expanding this program and strengthening it, as it is the only place in Hungary, where Albanian and studies about Albanians are taught not only academically, but also practically.

Ms. Gentiana Mburimi, Chargés d’Affaires a.i. of the Republic of Albania in Hungary took the word emphasizing the historical ties that exist between Hungarians and Albanians dating back to long before the establishment of official diplomatic relations, mentioning Skanderbeg and Hunyadi, and also prominent Hungarian scholars such as Franz Nopcsa, Lajos Thallóczy, Istvan Schütz , Daniel Gjergj etc. They have made a great contribution in the field of ethnography, history and Albanian language, she stated. The Queen Géraldine Apponyi, the Hungarian countess who became the queen of the Albanians after her marriage to King Zog of Albania, in 1938 was another bridge between Albania and Hungary. Putting her emphasis on the excellent relations that exist in all areas, Ms. Mburimi stated: 

“Both our countries have shown the will to further intensify bilateral relations through visits at all levels, including high-level visits, as an important contribution to strengthening and intensifying political, economic, cultural, touristic cooperation, etc. During the last decade, three successful sessions of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission for Economic Cooperation between Albania and Hungary have been successfully completed. The good will of the two governments, high-level visits and the favorable business environment have made the economic cooperation between Albania and Hungary constantly increase. 

In recent years, well-known Hungarian companies such as WizzAir, OTP Bank, 4iG, etc. have strongly entered the Albanian market. WizAir has now one of its aircraft bases at Tirana International Airport and has recently launched flights from Kukes International Airport of Albania. Direct flights Budapest-Tirana-Budapest have significantly increased the number of Hungarian tourists visiting Albania but also the number of Albanian tourists visiting Budapest. We are confident that the number of tourists will continue to grow in the future. While Hungarian tourists travel to Albania to enjoy the endless natural beauties of the country, they also have the opportunity to enjoy delicious baking in the many Albanian bakeries in Hungary.

Cooperation is not lacking in the field of education either. As a result of a bilateral agreement between the Ministries of Education of Albania and Hungary, within the Stipendium Hungaricum program, Albanian students receive about 20 scholarships each year to study at one of the Hungarian universities, at all levels. The program of Albanian Studies, for 10 years, here at the oldest and largest Hungarian university is another indicator of educational cooperation between our countries. Thanks to the work of Dr. Etleva Lala, through this program, many Hungarian and international students have the opportunity to learn about Albanian culture and language.

Albania is also grateful to Hungary for its permanent and unconditional support for Albania’s integration into the European Union. The recognition of Kosovo as a sovereign and independent state by Hungary has been another step towards strengthening the friendship between Albanians and Hungarians. On the other hand, Albania has also supported Hungary in international organizations when necessary. Both in the good days and in the bad days, Hungary and Albania have shown that they stand for each other.” – concluded Ms. Mburimi. 

Former Ambassador of Hungary to Albania, Dr. János Huszár, said in his speech that he would not speak about Skanderbeg or Hunyadi, nor about the Hungarian scholars of the Albanian history and culture, whom he mentioned one by one, nor about the Hungarian queen on the Albanian throne, nor about many other events and important historical relations between the two peoples, but in his speech he would focus on the personal experience he had during his stay in Albania as the ambassador of Hungary, as well as during numerous previous and subsequent visits not only to Albania , but also in Kosovo and in the region. 

Dr. Huszár emphasized the drastic change that has taken place in Albania since the moment he stepped there for the first time. “At first, – he said, – Tirana seemed like an underdeveloped Middle Eastern country, while now there is no difference from European metropolises.” In his personal experience Dr. Huszár focused on his diplomatic mission, which consisted more in establishing ties and alliances between the elites of Albania and those of Kosovo, for stability and development in the region. In this context, he mentioned the meetings with the late President Rugova in his favorite wooden hut as well as the meetings with many personalities of politics, literature and culture both in Kosovo and in Tirana. 

The Ambassador of the Republic of Kosovo in Hungary, Her Excellency, Ms. Genesis Budima, focused on the importance of the support that Hungary has given to the Republic of Kosovo, not only through the recognition of its independence, but also through the security that it offers through military troops part of NATO. Thanking the director of the Albanian Studies program in Hungary, dr. Etleva Lala, Her Excellency, once again found the moment to emphasize the importance of this program for the study of the Albanian language and the history and culture of Albanians in the region, as the only center with such a character in all of Hungary. Here is a brief summary of her speech:

“On this day, 23 years ago, after months of living in terror, it was the day when the intervention of the NATO forces saved the Kosovo Albanians from extermination by the genocidal regime of Serbia. Today, on the anniversary of the victory of the force of human conscience, we thank NATO forces, which helped Kosovo to become free, and maintain its freedom and security, not just in Kosovo but in all Western Balkan region. Today, the NATO’s peacekeeping mission in Kosovo is led by Major General Ferenc Kajári, the first Hungarian officer the commander of KFOR, while Hungary provides the third-largest unit to this mission. Kosovo remains grateful forever to the guardians of peace and freedom, to the guardians of the humanity and the truth!

This brings me to the second point, the war of today, that started on the 24^th of the last month. What we see today, the aggression of a war machine against a nation, it is not new to us. Thus the Republic of Kosovo expresses its unreserved solidarity and support to Ukraine and its people. The right to defend its territory and its people is a right of every nation, therefore Kosovo joined the response of democratic states and international organizations in taking actions and measures sanctioning Russia’s aggression war against Ukraine. We express our hope and belief that a determined and unified response by the international community against military aggression and invasion of Ukraine is crucial to end this war. Albanian nation, as Hungarian nation, is a peace-loving and freedom-loving nation, so we find ourselves in their heroism to fight for their freedom and their country, because we know very well the high price of freedom. We must never forget these lessons, for they are lessons of history. Recognizing this fact, Hungary was among the first countries that recognized our independence for which we are grateful and we seek to advance our bilateral relations.

And this brings me to the final point, the importance of this historical conference. Works like yours that you are going to present and discuss during this conference are essential. They are a necessity to remember and document the past. These conferences are of particular importance to study, discuss and emphasize the values that unite us and future that our nations want to see. Your passion for scientific studies and research is an extraordinary power that shall keep enriching also the bibliography of our diplomatic relations. I wish you a successful conference and I do look forward to read each and every work of yours.” – concluded H.E. Ms. Budima.

Dr. Dorian Koçi, director of the National Historical Museum of Tirana also greeted the participants in the opening ceremony of the conference, emphasizing in particular the importance of Hungarian-Albanian relations for our two nations and the Albanian Studies program in further promoting these relationships that are intensifying every day and more. More in detail, he would speak in his own presentation.

After the official opening, participants were invited to receive a copy of the book published by the Institute of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (IFAT), the book of the Honorary Consul of Albania in Pécs, Mr. Avni Hafuzi, as well as the periodical of the United Union for Peace brought by the president of this society, Mr. Tibor Krebsz. Instead of the greeting speech, the Honorary Consul, Mr. Hafuzi chose to speak with deeds, not only bringing his free book to the participants, but also providing coffee and cookies to the participants.

The first session of the conference began its work on a beautiful library of the Department of History of Eastern and Central Europe, and the first to speak was the well-known Hungarian scholar, Dr. Krisztián Csaplár Degovics, researcher at the Hungarian Academy of Sciences. Dr. Csaplár Degovics, who has been dealing with the history of Albania and Albanians in Southeast Europe for years already, creating a leading authority of historical studies in this field not only in Hungary and the region but also beyond, spoke about the role that Austria-Hungary has played in the raising of awareness among Albanians to become a nation, emphasizing that this was done deliberately by the Austro-Hungarian monarchy and later by Hungary throughout the first half of the century XX.

The speech of dr. Dorian Koçi, focused on the diplomatic relations between Albania and Hungary in the years 1928-1939, identifying and highlighting all the state-building elements that followed during this time and giving a complex and yet clear overview of all elements of the development of a new state, in a difficult period for the whole of Europe. Not only the establishment of diplomatic relations shaped the path that Hungarian-Albanian relations would take, but also the further investment in the network of consuls in the region, the view of the Balkans as a new market not only for agricultural products, but also industrial ones, as well as the empowerment of the Albanian elites, whether through regional peace conferences, the marriage of King Zog with Countess Geraldine etc. in order to balance the interests and influence of Italy in Albania, the establishment of Skanderbeg’s order approved by King Zog, the exchange of high orders. All these elements prove that diplomatic relations between Albania and Hungary were quite dense and promising before the Second World War. The whole presentation of Dr. Koçi relied on archival sources and recently published specialized literature.

Dr. László Markusz, former Ambassador of the Republic of Hungary to Kosovo focused his speech on three aspects of Hungarian foreign policy, while outlining his topic on the Hungarian perspective of Kosovo’s independence: 1. The crisis in the region and the efforts of interested Hungary for peace and stability in the region and to alleviate the consequences of this crisis. 2. National minorities and the dedication of Hungary to protection of the rights of these minorities, wherever and whenever they are, since Hungarians themselves are minorities in many countries already. 3. Recognition of Kosovo’s independence very wisely, so as not to damage the balances neither within Hungary nor with the neighboring countries of the region. Dr. Márkusz described the difficulties and challenges that Hungary has encountered in achieving these points over the past 30 years. Dr. Márkusz is a senior researcher at the Institute of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

In the second session, Dr. Edmond Malaj, researcher at the Academy of Albanian Studies in Tirana and PhD student Lilla Menyhárt. Dr. Malaj in his paper entitled “Cultural and economic relations between Albania and Hungary during the second half of the twentieth century, the period of communism” focused in his paper mainly on cultural relations and spoke about a topic that has been neglected until now, which specifically relates to Albanian students and scholars who have studied in Hungary or in one way or another have been associated with Hungary and have lived in Albania. The vicissitudes of these students and scholars are little known to this day, hence his contribution was highly appreciated.

PhD student Lilla Menyhárt spoke at length about the Zogu royal family, their impact on the political and social organization of Albania, the royal family movements (illustrating these movements visually in a very rich and at the same time very clear PowerPoint presentation), continuing about the character of the Queen Geraldine. Although long, her presentation was followed with tremendous interest by the specialized audience and like the other presentations was followed by many constructive and supportive questions.

In the online session, the researcher of the Institute of History in Tirana, Dr. Gjon Boriçi spoke about the Hungarian anti-communist revolution of 1956 and its effects in Albania, as well as the relations between these two communist countries during the 1950s, in the context of being USSR satellites. In addition to many interesting issues presented by Dr. Boriçi, his argument that Albania during this period has received very large funds, but has mismanaged them by investing them in heavy industry, made all those present think about the consequences of such an experience of the Albanian leadership of that time.

Dr. Ines Murzaku, professor of religion and director of the Catholic Studies Program at Seton Hall University, gave a broad overview of Mother Teresa’s gentleness revolution, placing it in the context of the Balkan women who were the main nurturers of this revolution of Mother Teresa. It is precisely this environment and this spiritual food with which Mother Teresa has grown since she was little, what made Mother Teresa what she is nowadays for the whole world. Dr. Ines Murzaku is considered as the best connoisseur in the world of the life and work of Mother Teresa, probably due to the fact that she is not only Albanian and knows the Albanian and regional tradition very well, but also because she has been dealing with the forms of religion in these parts of world since a long time already.

The famous Albanian researcher and restaurateur, Prof. Dr. Frederik Stamati, as well as the editor-in-chief of the oldest Albanian newspaper in America, Dielli, Dr. Sokol Paja could not present their papers in person, but they had already sent them to the conference committee. Prof. Dr. Stamati described his personal experience with Hungarian laboratories and restorers and the impact these had had on his formation as a restaurateur. His collaboration with the best Hungarian researchers Prof. Dr. Stamati describes it the following way: “The course was of a very high scientific level. The acquired knowledge and literature that was donated to us, became the main basis where the work for the conservation of textiles with cultural and historical values ​​in Albania was based. Curiosity about the technical problems of the work made me talk about the epitaph of Glavinica. Marta Jaró undertook the chemical analysis of the metallic yarn used to embroider that epitaph. Study methods were used through non-destructive analysis based on nuclear physics. With those analyzes, another window was opened for the conception of the trade relations of our country in the 14^th century. Later we invited Dr. Marta Jaró for a working visit to Albania, where she got acquainted with the epitaph.”

Dr. Sokol Paja has done research in Gazeta Dielli-The Sun to see how the marriage of King Zog with the Hungarian princess Geraldine Apponyi is presented in this newspaper and the results are very interesting: 

“The news of the marriage of the Albanian King Ahmet Zogu to the Hungarian Géraldine Apponyi de Nagy-Appony was news that for months dominated the Albanian print press both in Albania and in international media. The echo of this event reached the USA in the newspaper Dielli—Official Organ of the Pan-Albanian Federation of America Vatra. This great event for the Kingdom of Albania and the Albanian people was reflected in detail and with full enthusiasm in Dielli. The newspaper dedicated most of the space on its front page in its March, April, May and June editions of 1938 to articles, foreign cables of greeting, and editorials that provided detailsof the ceremony, congratulations, various descriptions of the festive atmosphere, biographies of the King and Queen and feelings and perceptions about this extraordinary event for the Kingdom of Albania. Dielli in its editorial wrote that Queen Geraldine immediately won the hearts of the Albanian people and described her as a“goddess sent from heaven.”

The newspaper described in detail, the arrival of Queen Géraldine in Albania as it was reported: “As soon as she stepped on Albanian soil, Her Majesty, Queen Géraldine, was first interested in the country’s poor and the establishment of a shelter for the elderly.” The newspaper Dielli described and tried to provide a précis of the physical and spiritual personality of the Queen, while focusing on the details, and on the good spirit she engendered.” Dielli called the marriage of King Zog to Queen Geraldine a blessing for Albania and Albanians. “It is lucky,” wrote Dielli in its editorial of May 1938, “that Albania is led by two wise and very kind sovereigns who lookupon their people from their hearts and we are more than sure that the Albanian nation will prosper under the leadership of their Majesties.”

In that May editorial, Dielli described in chronological detail the great work and transformation that King Zog had brought to Albania and that the great joy of the King was also the joy of the people. King Zog is quoted in Dielli as saying that he restored a ruined state, eradicated anarchy, united the people separated by the propaganda and interests of foreign countries, saved Albania from adventurers who worked against the interests of Albania and Albanians, and gave the state power, freedom, national progress,and civilization. Dielli makes a historical parallel between the friendship that Albania had with Hungary since the time of Skanderbeg, and this marriage of the King in strengthening and honoring the friendship of Hungary with the Albanian state. Countess Geraldine Apponyi, according to the April,1938 article in Dielli, made Albanians very happy because, “she has beautiful qualities, she is very cultured, is very noble, and is kind-hearted and generous. From her rare beauty, many virtues, Countess Géraldine Apponyi has earned the beautiful nickname ‘The White Rose of Hungary.’ We wholeheartedly wish that this White Rose grows in the beautiful garden of Albania and is the right hand of our KingZog for the well-being of the Albanian Nation.”

The expert level discussion that continued on Friday morning, organized by the Institute of Foreign Affairs and Trade (IFAT) and led by Ferenc Nemeth, researcher and coordinator of this institute, brought to a table Alba Çela, executive director of the Albanian Institute for International Studies, Eralda Methasani Çanin, Professor of Public Law in the Department of Law at the University of Tirana, and Géllert Horváth, EU expert at the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania, to discuss not only the current situation in Albania in regarding its integration into the European Union, successes and failures so far as well as challenges for the future. Everyone agreed that it is time when it is required more than ever for Albania to come up with a clear vision for the future, not only for Albania’s rapid integration into the EU, but also to make Albania attractive for the absorption of European funds as and human capital lost in recent years.

In the last session, Dr. Musa Ahmeti, researcher at the Center for Albanological Studies in Budapest presented a part of his project for diplomatic relations between Hungary and Albania in a historical context, bringing to the attention of the audience not only the lists of ambassadors and charge d’affaires in these 100 years, but also the role of the Albanian Studies program in these relations, with a special focus on the activities of this program in the 10 years of its life. 

Dr. Etleva Lala, director of the Albanian Studies program and lecturer at ELTE University, presented the newest project of this program related to the icon of Albanology in Hungary in the second half of the XX century, István Schütz. The main points of this project are

1. Schütz as a Hungarian teacher to Albanian students and his influence.

2. Schütz as a teacher of the Albanian language to the Hungarians and his method of teaching.

3. Schütz’s dictionary / dictionaries as a first-hand source for the study of the Albanian language

4. Translations of Schütz and his time from Hungarian into Albanian and vice versa.

5. The life of a scholar – interpreter and translator between two Communist systems.

6. Schütz and the other languages ​​he studied and taught.

The project presented was an open invitation to all present but not only, to participate in this 5-years project in order to highlight better the communist period and the connection between Hungary and Albania through such an individual, who invested 63 years of his life to this cause. Through such an important personality for the Albanians in Hungary of the second half of the XX century aims not only to shed light on the bilateral relations of that period, but also to identify issues related to the individual’s relations with the communist system / systems. 

After Schütz, in the 90s of the last century, the historical studies of Albanians were dominated mainly by the Hungarian scholar József Juhász, and starting from 2010, the number of Hungarian scholars dealing with Albania and Albanians increased significantly, but the leading role is held by Krisztián Csaplár Degovics, making these studies accessible not only in Hungarian, but also to other scholars through his publications in English, German and even in Albanian.

Ilir Levonja/

Në Shqipërinë tonë bullizmi është kulturë shekujsh. Mund ta keni vënë re kudo edhe për prirjet politike. Hiqeni këtë nga puna se është komunist, se është demokrat, apo hiqeni se është socialistë i thekur etj. Kjo ka krijuar atë botën noprane ku sado profesionalizmit, sado intelektualizmit a kulturës, ne jemi mundur nga preferencat politike. Për ta qartësuar këtë botë vini re sot se nga kjo gjindje bulliste nuk ka asnjë ndjesë a tërheqe veshi publike nga bota e majtë. Dhe ajo që është më paradoksalja, kjo shefja e madhe që ka alergji nga maloket vjen nga e ajo klasë sociale që ka përfituar nga ata (malokët), më shumë se kushdo tjetër. Këta janë kategoria e ishave, që sot kanë alergji nga prejardhja e shefave të tyre. Vjen nga klasifikimi ish Berishët. Vini re se sot kundërshtarët më të mëdhenj të Berishës janë ish Berishët. Kanë marrë poste të rëndësishme, kanë marrë objekte, tendera, miliona, rryshfete si ndërmjetës, kanë qënë taksidarë publik ndërmjetësues etj., në emër të Sali Berishës. Sot i keni aty si syri, veshi, dora dhe ligji i Edi Ramës. Këta janë ajo shtresa noprane që të gjitha çfarë kanë, i kanë nga bythëlëpirja ndaj gjënden gjithmonë pranë njëshave. Eshtë ajo racë noprane që thotë se je i mirë vetëm kur më bën ndere mua. Kur më lë dorë të lirë të bëj çfarë të dua unë me robtë etj. Dhe ju prisni reformë në drejtësi. Eshtë juriste e lartë tjetra dhe shkruan mesazhe vulgare si, një maloke më pak. Duhet të kishte dhënë dorëheqjen menjëherë por nuk e bën. Madje do jetë duke komunikuar me kanalet politike për të shpikur një skandal paralel publik që të harrohet skandali i saj. Nuk e di përse jemi kaq të prirur pas bullizmit por po e coptojmë atë pak Shqipëri aq sot fyerjet më të madha janë poronomet lalucë, malok, kosovar, çam, grek muti, muslimanë të trashë, kaurrë të poshtër, katolik të pabesë etj. Për më keq akoma, konceptet gjeografike ku Shkodra a Tropoja konsiderohen si veriu i malokëve etj. Ca më sipër tyre ka akoma Shqipëri, e veriu i bie në Luginën e Preshevesë. Mirëpo, nënën ku e kemi na e lërojnë të huajt, kurse ne vet, vetes tonë, me nënë e babë ku i kemi. Dhe për më keq akoma nuk vëmë mend as nga konfliktet në rajon për të kuptuar se sa të varur jemi edhe pse sot jemi dy shtete. Ju prisni që këta të rinj, këto rioshe të bëjnë reformën në drejtësi që më në fund edhe Shipëria të ketë institucione të forta që ballancojnë pushtetin, ja çfarë del. Që përzgjidhen kandidatë po ashtu, je me ne apo jo. Eshtë i yni apo nuk është i yni. Je tironcë apo jo? Je kundërshtar i Berishës apo jo? Je maloke apo myzeqare? Kaurre apo myslimane? Vari hejbet aftësive profesionale dhe përkushtimit ndaj ligjit.