“Albania wishes Ireland every success in its presidency of the Council of the European Union,” Begaj wrote in a social media post.

He said Albania was “encouraged that EU enlargement remains one of the Union’s key priorities” and expressed hope that Ireland’s presidency would help advance the country’s accession process.

“We are confident this presidency will further contribute to strengthening Europe’s unity, values and security,” Begaj said.

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In a post on X on Wednesday, Hoxha said participants exchanged views on Albania’s European integration process and the broader outlook for EU enlargement.

“It is always a pleasure to engage with civil society and the research community,” Hoxha said.

He described Albania’s EU accession process as entering its most dynamic, challenging and decisive phase since the country began its democratic transformation more than three decades ago.

The discussions covered Albania’s reform progress, renewed momentum in the EU enlargement agenda and the steps needed to advance the country’s strategic objective of joining the bloc, Hoxha said.

Participants also addressed the geopolitical significance of enlargement and the importance of maintaining a credible, merit-based accession process.

Hoxha welcomed Ireland’s continued support for EU enlargement and highlighted the role Ireland’s upcoming presidency of the Council of the European Union could play in shaping discussions on Europe’s future and the integration of candidate countries.

He thanked the IIEA and participants for what he described as a valuable exchange of views.

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Hoxha and Byrne discussed Albania’s progress and prospects on its path towards EU membership.

In a post in the social media, Hoxha wrote that he briefed the Irish minister on Albania’s reform progress. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining this momentum, aiming to finalize accession negotiations by 2027 and join the European Union by 2030.

The meeting highlighted that a credible, merit-based enlargement process is vital for delivering mutual benefits to the EU and aspiring members.

Minister Hoxha stated that, “In today’s geopolitical environment, enlargement is not only a transformative policy, but also a strategic investment in the security, stability and sustainability of Europe”.

Hoxha also expressed Albania’s deep appreciation for Ireland’s continued support for EU enlargement and wished every success to the upcoming Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union. /k.s/j.p/p.s./

Albanian Speaker Niko Peleshi met with Irish counterpart Verona Murphy to praise bilateral ties and pledge stronger parliamentary cooperation to enhance political dialogue between the two nations.

During the conversation, Speaker Peleshi said that Albania highly values Ireland’s consistent support for its EU integration and appreciates their recognition of our concrete reforms, especially in rule of law and democratic institution building.

While highlighting the European roots, vision and values ​​of Albanians, Speaker Peleshi underlined that EU membership enjoys very broad popular support and a political and Parliamentary consensus.

During the meeting, participants highlighted Ireland’s upcoming Presidency of the Council of the EU in July 2026 as a pivotal moment for advancing enlargement and supporting the Western Balkans’ path to membership.

The parties explored enhancing ties in key sectors—economy, energy, tourism, and innovation—and highlighted the diaspora’s role in deepening cultural and social bonds.

This visit to Ireland strengthens Parliamentary diplomacy and solidifies support for Albania’s EU integration, key to our European path.

Special focus was placed on strengthening Assembly-Parliament of Ireland cooperation to support the accession process.

Accompanying the Speaker of the Parliament on this official visit to Ireland by the Parliament delegation, consisting of MPs Bora Muzhaqi, Genti Lakollari, Erion Malaj and Blendi Himçi, as well as Ambassador Uran Ferizi. /m.m/a.f/r.e/p.s./