TIRANA, Nov 2 /ATA/ Completing the technical phase of EU accession negotiations by December 2027, ensuring security across the Euro-Atlantic area, supporting Albanians in the region and strengthening economic diplomacy are among the key priorities of the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs for next year.
“We are not proposing a budget merely to cover the operational costs of the ministry or the diplomatic service. Rather, we are investing in Albania’s international capacity and its preparations for EU membership, embracing from now on the mindset of a country that is already a member of the European Union,” Hoxha said.
He stressed that European integration and the successful conclusion of accession negotiations remain the government’s top priorities.
“Our goal is to complete the technical phase, including the final stage of the process, by December 2027, before moving on to the political phase and paving the way for Albania to join the European Union within this decade,” the minister stated.
He added that this process requires institutions and the diplomatic service to prepare for the next stage.
“This calls for the full mobilisation of state capacities and requires Albanian diplomacy, the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and the Foreign Service to be ready for the new phase ahead,” Hoxha stated.
Ensuring security across the Euro-Atlantic region and strengthening Albania’s contribution to NATO will also remain key foreign policy priorities.
“We will maintain our contribution to NATO missions and operations, defence and intelligence cooperation, and cybersecurity efforts. We will also continue working to counter growing hybrid threats, particularly disinformation, in close cooperation with our allies,” the minister said.
Hoxha also addressed the situation of Albanians across the region and stability in the Western Balkans, highlighting the importance of regional cooperation and stronger bilateral and multilateral relations.
Regarding strategic partnerships, Hoxha highlighted Albania’s relations with the United States, Italy, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Türkiye and Greece.
“As a small country, Albania believes in multilateralism, international cooperation and international law, which provides the strongest guarantee for protecting our rights within the international community,” Hoxha said.
He noted that Albania would continue its active engagement in the United Nations, the OSCE and other councils dealing with Albanian and national interests. The country will also continue promoting its own candidacies, as well as those of Albanian experts, in international organisations.
At the same time, Hoxha added, efforts would be made to advance public, digital and cultural diplomacy as part of a broader strategy to improve Albania’s international image.
The minister also highlighted economic diplomacy and its role in supporting the country’s economic development objectives.
“Economic diplomacy is no longer just a slogan or an item on our work agenda. We want to ensure that our diplomatic efforts, day-to-day activities and the work of our diplomatic missions are closely aligned with the country’s economic development priorities,” Hoxha stated.
He stressed that promoting exports and establishing new economic partnerships would be key areas of focus in this regard.
“We want our diplomatic missions to remain permanently and consistently engaged in representing the country’s economic interests abroad, by promoting exports, building new economic partnerships and pursuing what has always been, and will continue to be, an essential part of our work,” the minister stressed.
