The minister marked the 20th anniversary of CEFTA suggesting the need to move towards concrete results, accelerating the economic integration of the region and making regional cooperation tangible for businesses and citizens.

She underlined that CEFTA is a key instrument for building a functional regional market and for implementing initiatives such as the Regional Common Market and the European Union Growth Plan, which create real opportunities for economic growth and preparation for integration into the European single market.

Minister Ibrahimaj said that the priority will be to facilitate trade by reducing time and costs at the border, developing further the green corridors and strengthening inter-institutional cooperation, with the aim of creating a faster and more predictable market for businesses.

She also spoke about the digitalization of trade procedures, through the application of paperless systems and reliable digital services, reducing bureaucracy and increasing transparency.

Referring to trade data, the minister announced that during 2025, Albania’s trade exchanges with CEFTA countries reached around 123 billion lekë, while the country continues to maintain a positive trade balance.

She said that Kosovo remains the main destination for Albanian exports, while Serbia is the main partner for imports. Albanian exports to the region are mainly supported by the energy, construction materials, agro-food products and processing industry sectors.

Attending the event were representatives from the European Union Delegation, CEFTA Director Pranvera Kastrati and President of the Chambers of Commerce and Industry Ines Muçostepa. /m.m/j.p/p.s./

The Strategic Planning and Aid Coordination Agency (SASPAC) hailed the development as a “historic step” that reflects Albania’s growing role in European interregional cooperation.

“With 34 active partnerships and over 30 participating organizations, Albania is contributing meaningfully in areas such as green transition, territorial innovation, and sustainable resource management,” the agency said in a press release.

The next session of the Monitoring Committee is scheduled to be held in Tirana in December 2025, bringing together representatives from 36 European countries. The event is seen as a key opportunity to strengthen partnerships and exchange best practices across regions.

“This is more than a responsibility – it’s a chance to advance our European vision,” said Eridana Cano, Director General of SASPAC. “It underscores Albania’s increasing involvement in European decision-making and showcases our contributions to impactful regional projects.”

Cano added that Albania is committed to using this mandate not only to support its EU accession efforts but also to deliver tangible results for local communities, municipalities, and citizens.

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“Lulzim Basha remains DP chair and the National Council meeting called by Gazment Bardhi is not legitimized,” the Court ruled on Tuesday.

“First Instance Court decided not to accept the petition filed by six MPs to deregister Lulzim Basha as DP chairman,” the main opposition party said in a statement.

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Speaking to reporters after submitting his candidacy for the DP chairmanship, Kadilli said he felt way too more superior than the current leader, adding he was entering the race “to serve and not to be served from DP.”

“This is a crucial moment for the DP. It is a turning point, though the race is asymmetrical in terms of the tools the candidates possess,” Kadilli said.

“The acting chairman has all the tools designed and structured to face Edi Rama as rival. He will now face me as candidate. However, it is another moral asymmetric, where I feel more superior than the current chairman, as I will run to serve and not to be served from DP,” he said.

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