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The broad area of studies, in which the research is focused, is the European Union. The most obvious motivation in developing a research in EU related issues is to contribute to the dis-covery of the functioning of the (non)institutional mechanisms of this fascinating unidenti-fied political object . The research deals with the concept and process of Europeanization of Justice and Home Affairs. The selection of this branch of studies is linked to two considera-tions; first of all, to the intrigue of the cause-effects of the process, secondly to the extensive characteristics of the notion itself. The academic research in this issue is relatively new and it concerns primarily the Member States of the EU. Much less is done on the effects of Europe- anization on candidate, potential candidate and neighbouring countries, as far as Justice and Home Affairs is concerned. Thus, the further challenge of the academic world remains the scientific explanation of the empirical evidence of EU institutions influence in these coun-tries, especially with regard to the Community Assistance Programs.

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Endri Xhaferaj, PhD on Comparative and European Politics, University of Siena, born in Tirana, Albania. Community advisor and European project manager, actually collaborating with the University of Bologna and the City of Forlì. His main field of research is the impact of EU Programs on the policies of the National States.

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