Balla highlighted that the committee has upheld a strong tradition of collaboration on this project since 2001–2005, when members of parliament from various constituencies endorsed initiatives to develop the corridor linking Porto Romano to Varna. He emphasized that the country is now entering the phase of realizing a long-cherished vision, establishing a corridor of substantial economic, commercial, and strategic significance for both Albania and the wider region.

Balla emphasized that the Porto Romano–Varna railway represents a significant strategic achievement, enhancing both commercial freight transport and military logistics mobility in light of recent developments in Europe since February 2022. He noted that a section of Porto Romano port will serve as a NATO military port, directly linked to the port of Varna.

The chairperson of the parliamentary group emphasized that the Italian government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, remains one of the main supporters of the Corridor VIII project. He noted that in the coming weeks, a meeting of the four foreign ministers—from Albania, Italy, North Macedonia, and Bulgaria—is expected to take place to discuss the progress of this corridor.
In this context, Balla proposed that the Albanian Parliament, particularly the Committee on European Affairs and Foreign Policy, organize a parliamentary-level meeting with counterparts from the four countries, maintaining the tradition of inter-parliamentary cooperation on regional strategic projects.
Balla underscored the need for Albania to speak with a unified voice on national strategic initiatives. He noted that, regardless of whether one is in government or opposition, matters of such magnitude require broad consensus and a shared vision. Corridor VIII, he emphasized, represents a key symbol of Albania’s European-driven goals for integration, security, and economic growth.
In conclusion, he noted that Albania has now reached a new level in railway transport, aligning with European standards, and emphasized that this project will significantly strengthen the country’s role in the pan-European transport and security infrastructure.
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