TIRANA, July 10 /ATA/ – The Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, said on Friday that European Union enlargement remains one of the bloc’s most successful strategic investments, urging both candidate countries and the EU to maintain momentum in the accession process.
Speaking at a meeting of the Friends of the Western Balkans group in Rome, hosted by Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, Hoxha said enlargement was vital not only for the Western Balkans but also for Europe’s long-term security, stability and geopolitical credibility.
“At a moment when Europe faces profound geopolitical challenges, enlargement remains one of the European Union’s most successful strategic investments in peace, stability, security, and prosperity,” Hoxha said in a post on X.
Addressing foreign ministers from the Western Balkans, Hoxha stressed that the credibility of the enlargement process must be preserved through a firm merit-based approach, with candidate countries delivering reforms while the EU recognises and rewards progress.
He reaffirmed Albania’s goal of completing EU accession negotiations by 2027 and securing membership before the end of the decade.
“The current window of opportunity is historic,” Hoxha said, adding that Albania would continue implementing the reforms needed to achieve its strategic objective of joining the EU.
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