The meeting was also attended by Vice President Iliana Iotova.

“Albania deeply appreciates Bulgaria’s support for its Euro-Atlantic integration, NATO membership, and its journey toward joining the European family—a process grounded in merit. During this visit, I witnessed the strong backing of both the Bulgarian Government and Parliament for Albania’s EU accession within this decade,” Spiropali said.

She noted that the relationship between the two countries is strengthened not only by historical and traditional connections but also by the presence of Bulgarians of Albanian descent residing in Madrica, Ivaylovgrad province, and the Bulgarian minority in Albania—both communities serving as valuable assets and bonds of friendship.

“We value the policies that support and foster the development of the Albanian Diaspora in Bulgaria, helping them sustain their communities and preserve their language, culture, and heritage. Likewise, the Albanian government remains dedicated to protecting the rights of the Bulgarian minority in Albania, fully adhering to all applicable international standards,” the Speaker of the Parliament added.

“As allies and partners in NATO, Albania and Bulgaria share the same vision regarding regional security challenges and are strengthening their defense capacities to address them, based on national interests and the principles of Euro-Atlantic integration. Albania is an active contributor and an important factor for peace in the region, guided by the principle of good neighborly relations with all countries in the area,” Spiropali emphasized.

“The Tripartite Agreement between Albania, Croatia, and Kosovo, signed on March 18, 2025, in Tirana, demonstrates a commitment to increasing defense spending, enhanced cooperation against hybrid threats, as well as Kosovo’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations. This initiative aligns with NATO’s Strategic Concept and the EU’s Strategic Compass and welcomes any country in the region to join,” Spiropali stated.

President Radev praised Albania as a trusted and loyal partner, noting that it is advancing more rapidly than other candidate countries on the path to EU membership, with the Parliament contributing significantly to this progress. Bulgaria strongly backs Albania’s goal to join the EU at an accelerated pace.

He also appreciated Albania’s adherence to European standards on minority rights and human rights, emphasizing the importance of the Bulgarians of Albanian descent and the Bulgarian minority in Albania as valuable assets for both nations.

“The intensification of parliamentary cooperation between the Albanian Assembly and the Bulgarian National Assembly will boost bilateral relations as well as the political dialogue between Albania and Bulgaria, which are currently excellent, stable, and without any unresolved issues between the two countries,” she said.

Albania is at the forefront of the candidate countries for EU membership, and we are pleased to note that this plan, which has gained the support of the European Parliament, the European Commission, and the parliaments of many member states, also enjoys the firm backing of the Bulgarian National Assembly and Bulgaria.

The acceleration of the Western Balkan countries’ accession, as a merit-based process and a priority of enlargement, is also important for the European Union itself.

“The parliaments support strengthening the defense capabilities of our countries as NATO members, based on national interests, the principles of Euro-Atlantic integration, and the need to ensure security and safeguard peace in the region, Europe, and worldwide,” Spiropali stated.

Speaker Kiselova praised Albania’s remarkable progress toward European Union membership, congratulated Spiropali on the European Parliament’s approval of the Resolution on Albania on July 9, which was unanimously supported by all Bulgarian MEPs, and recognized Albania as a champion in the accession process. She affirmed that Albania’s goal of joining the EU by 2030 has Bulgaria’s strong support and that Albania’s plan is also Bulgaria’s plan.

After the meeting, Spiropali and Kiselova held a press conference.

During her stay in Sofia, Speaker of the Parliament Elisa Spiropali, accompanied by the Speaker of the Bulgarian Parliament, Nataliya Kiselova, held a discussion with ambassadors and diplomats accredited in Sofia, parliamentarians, journalists, students, and business representatives about Albania’s achievements on its path toward European Union membership.

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