In a post on the X platform, FM Hoxha expressed Albania’s readiness to continue reforms and to work closely with member states and the European Commission on an ambitious yet realistic roadmap toward accession.

“Albania is ready. Not only to join the European Union but also to help shape its future,” he stated.

Hoxha emphasized that enlargement requires preparation from both sides—both the countries aspiring to join and the European Union itself.

“Enlargement is not just about candidate countries being ready to join; it is equally about the European Union being ready to welcome them,” the minister stated. According to him, for Albania, enlargement is a joint strategic project that strengthens democracy and improves the lives of Albanian citizens, while also contributing to Europe’s security, competitiveness and democratic stability.

In this context, the minister reaffirmed the commitment to implement reforms and support gradual integration through concrete, impactful steps.

Viewing enlargement as an essential part of Europe’s history and future, Hoxha emphasized that this process makes the continent stronger and more united.

“For a stronger Europe at home. A stronger Europe in the world,” Minister Hoxha concluded. /m.q/j.p/p.s./

The two ministers confirmed the very good level of bilateral cooperation and the significance of further promotion of this cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

During a joint press conference, FM Hasani appreciated the Third Intergovernmental Conference between Albania and the EU as an important step on the path towards EU membership.

Hasani reiterated his deep appreciation for the continued support of Poland, a country that has always been a reliable ally of Albania, especially in the most crucial moments of history such as NATO membership and our efforts for EU integration.

“Poland is one of our most important trade partners; we aim to significantly increase the volume of exchanges and investments by taking advantage of the endless opportunities offered by the tourism, agriculture, energy, renewable energy and technology sectors,” said Hasani.

Hasani informed Minister Sikorski that, “Last year, Albania was visited by 233 thousand Polish tourists, a 39% increase compared to 2022 and this trend has increased further during the current year.

“This is undoubtedly an indicator of great opportunities for cooperation in this sector,” said Hasani.

They also discussed Albania’s progress in EU integration path.

“I received from Minister Sikorski Poland’s unwavering support for this process, emphasizing that the enlargement policy will be a priority of the Polish Presidency of the EU for 2025”, said Hasani.

“We highly appreciate Poland’s experience and knowledge in this process, which is a valuable resource for Albania”, said Hasani, while he thanked Minister Sikorski for the support provided and for the expertise in key areas of the integration process.

Hasani emphasized that, “In light of recent developments, especially the war in Ukraine, we discussed the importance of accelerating the integration of the Western Balkan countries into the EU. This process is vital for ensuring stability and security in our region as well as for a sustainable and prosperous future for all our citizens.

“We emphasized the joint commitment to support Ukraine in its fight against unjustified Russian aggression and jointly express our firm support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine,” said Hasani.

“We also discussed cooperation in the field of digitalization, services and e-governance,” said Hasani.

Hasani thanked his Polish counterpart for the visit to Tirana and assured him that, “Albania remains committed to further promote our relations of cooperation in all areas of common interest.

“We are ready to continue not only communication, but to work together for a safer and more sustainable future for our two peoples and for all of Europe,” said Hasani.

The visit is considered an important moment for strengthening relations between Albania and Poland and for our country’s European journey. /j.p/p.s./

President’s office said in a press release that the head of state noted in his remarks that “future global challenges are many, and require global commitment, multilateralism and joint efforts in building a better future.”

“It is high time that EU as well adopts a new approach. Its enlargement should be considered as a powerful geostrategic instrument. I would like to praise the courageous decision taken by EU Commission to grant to Ukraine the candidate status.  The people of Ukraine fully deserve the European future because they are fighting not only for their freedom but they are defending European values too, because they believe in democracy,” he said.

Meta underlined that the war in Ukraine has triggered the most dangerous and unstable situation since the Second World War and this has heavily impacted security on a global scale.

“Therefore, working on security issues, including health, food, or energy security, should be our focus for the future and on how we can move forward,” he said.

President Meta also noted that the food security should remain another top priority on our international agenda. According to The World Food Program, by 2023 it very well will be a food availability problem.

Meta also said that TAP and IAP natural gas projects are of a paramount importance at this moment and especially, for the future of our region and Europe’s energy security.

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“I am very pleased to be here today, just one day after the EU-Western Balkans Summit in Brdo, where we had the opportunity to share with the 27 member states and 5 co-travelers in the Western Balkans, our thoughts on the current situation and certainly not only in relation to enlargement, but in general to the challenges that are becoming increasingly complicated.”

“I think it is becoming clearer that enlargement is a word used with less and less passion and will. And there is no doubt that the process can take time, a lot of time “, said Rama

Rama underlined that, “If the EU cannot keep its word on enlargement quickly and if the Western Balkans cannot join the EU, then the EU objective should be to move towards the Western Balkans in a more stable and uniform way through joint actions”./p.s./

Balla emphasized that the EU approval of this instrument is a strong signal on the significance of the enlargement process.

“Thank you for the approval by the European Union of the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA III) for the period 2021-2027. This € 14 billion instrument will support candidate and potential candidate countries in adopting and implementing key political, institutional, social and economic reforms. The EU approval of this instrument is a strong signal of the significance of the enlargement process and the ongoing support to the countries of the Western Balkans. Albania will continue the path of important reforms for the benefit of the country’s membership in the European family”, stated Balla. /a.a/p.s./

Asked about the call of the first intergovernmental conference with the two countries, the Portugal’s Secretary of State for European Affairs Ana Paula Zacaria said at a press conference after the General Affairs Council meeting that the EU ministers discussed “accession at the same time of both Albania and North Macedonia and we are still trying to find a solution, a common possibility for both countries to start the process of accession.”

“At this point I can only say that the rule of law is not at the centre of the accession process, as well as the process of engagement to get closer to the European Union. This is at the core of the new methodology, and as such this is an element that is fundamental and we will certainly take this into consideration when we analyze the whole process. We still hope that we will continue the discussions and the debate to see whether we can have the intergovernmental conference for the accession of both countries, Albania and North Macedonia,” she said.

However – Zacarias added-  “indeed I have to reinforce the message that the rule of law is at the centre of the new methodology and this is the core of the whole accession process.”

On his part, the EU Commission Vice-President for Inter-Institutional Relations Maros Sefcovic noted that “on the side of the European Commission, I can say we are working very hard that both Albania and North Macedonia see their first intergovernmental conference take place as soon as possible.”

“I think that from the previous enlargement rounds we know that EU enlargement is a very demanding process. As you know, we have adjusted the current negotiating process attaching importance to the rule of law and all other sensitive topics, which will be applied to the negotiations. I think you know very well that we never close the negotiating chapter before a country fully satisfies all the requirements, which are demanded from the future member states,” he said.

“I think all these would be clearly the parameters for the future enlargement negotiations. Nevertheless, we need to send a positive and strong signal to Western Balkans and I think that best signal would be indeed that the intergovernmental conferences are held and we still hope to do so under the Portuguese Presidency of the EU”, Sefcovic said.

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