TIRANA, Nov. 4 /ATA/ – EU membership for candidate countries represents a strategic investment in Europe’s security, resilience and geopolitical strength, the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha said during a visit to Berlin.
Hoxha made the remarks at a panel discussion entitled “Europe Enlarging: The Case for Enlargement,” which also featured Germany’s Minister of State for European Affairs Günther Krichbaum and Kosovo’s chief negotiator Jeton Zulfaj.
In a social media post following the discussion on Wednesday, Hoxha highlighted the broad national consensus in Albania in favour of EU membership and the country’s commitment to translating that support into reforms and tangible results.
“For us, European integration is not about appearing ready. It is about being ready – through reforms, implementation and the decisions needed to become a fully functioning member of the European family,” he said.
Hoxha identified credibility, fairness and tangible progress as three essential principles for the success of EU enlargement.
He stressed the need for a clear roadmap, measurable targets and a merit-based process in which candidate countries’ fulfilment of their obligations is matched by an appropriate response from the EU.
“Merit must work both ways: when candidate countries meet their obligations, Europe must respond,” Hoxha said.
He also highlighted the importance of gradual integration ahead of formal membership, allowing citizens, businesses and institutions to experience the benefits and responsibilities of EU integration as reforms progress.
Referring to Berlin as a symbol of overcoming divisions and European reunification, Hoxha called for bold decisions in the face of hybrid threats, foreign interference, disinformation and geopolitical competition.
“Enlargement could prove to be one of the most effective investments Europe can make in its own security,” he said.
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