NCEI Co-Chair Taulant Balla opened the meeting by reviewing Albania’s progress in EU negotiations. He described the accession process as a profound transformation of the Albanian state and society. Underscoring the strong public backing for membership, Balla reaffirmed that European integration remains Albania’s singular strategic goal.

Balla emphasized that North Macedonia must fully respect its Albanian population as a state-forming nation. He declared that the rights to education and the use of the Albanian language are absolute, non-negotiable obligations, adding that protecting these rights is vital for the country’s EU accession aspirations.

Next, Elda Zenelaj, Director of the Technical Secretariat of the NCEI, informed participants about the Council’s structure and purpose. Discussions focused on its core responsibilities: monitoring the EU negotiation process, promoting legislative transparency, aligning laws with the EU acquis, and bridging the gap between institutions, political actors, and stakeholders.

The meeting featured an in-depth discussion on the challenges of the negotiation process, EU enlargement, and the region’s European perspective.

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Speaking at a commemorative event held at the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Tirana-Durrës in honour of Blessed Vladimir Ghika, Hoxha described the occasion as a moment of reflection on the deep historical, cultural and human ties between Albania and Romania.

He said that Romanian-based Albanian patriots played a key role during the National Renaissance by promoting ideas of freedom and independence through publications and political organisation, while preserving Albanian identity abroad.

Hoxha also praised prominent Albanian families who contributed to the cultural and political life of both countries, saying their legacy reflects the enduring link between Albania and its diaspora.

He added that the diaspora remains a key resource for Albania’s development, describing it as a “vital source of energy, knowledge and connections” supporting the country’s European integration ambitions.

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During the meeting, Spiropali praised the contribution of the Albanian community to institutional stability and democratic development in North Macedonia, underlining the importance of political dialogue and inter-institutional cooperation.

Foreign Minister reaffirmed Albania’s support for constructive engagement and parliamentary diplomacy as key tools for strengthening bilateral relations and promoting the EU integration process in the region.

Spiropali also expressed Tirana’s expectation for the consistent implementation of the Ohrid Agreement, describing it as a benchmark for genuine equality, representation, and dignity.

During her visit, Spiropali also met in the Çair municipality with the Mayor and Chairman of the Democratic Movement, Izet Mexhiti, to discuss the role of Albanian political representation in sustainable development, inter-institutional cooperation, and advancing the European agenda.

She emphasized that strong local government, with real authority and functional decentralization, is essential for quality governance and for bringing European standards closer to citizens’ everyday lives.

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Bergner expressed his appreciation for DHL’s logistical support in implementing the Central Election Commission’s mandate for diaspora vote in parliamentary elections, calling the team’s performance “impressive.”

DHL is one of the world’s leading logistics providers, operating in over 220 countries and territories and handling approximately 1.8 billion shipments daily.

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The Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Albania, Ambassador Silvio Gonzato on Tuesday met with representatives of the civil society organizations, who shared their analyses and concerns on the electoral process so far.

The EU Delegation said in a post on the social media on Wednesday, May 11 parliamentary elections are of particular importance, as Albania has entered EU accession negotiations.

Democratic electoral processes are part of the key EU accession criteria, the EU Delegation office noted.

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While sharing in the social media the photo album of the meeting held today in Vlora, Balla warned against making the same mistakes like in the past.

“The State Police has a preventive role and we will continue to be present in all our maritime space to control and guarantee safety for the life of every holidaymaker”, wrote Balla.

“We have learned a lot from the mistakes of the past and we must not tolerate any of those mistakes to be repeated again! This spirit of cooperation between all departments of the State Police makes it possible to intervene in time for any problem”, emphasized Balla. /r.e/p.s./

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Energy Belinda Balluku attended today the meeting organized with the Union of Albanian Producers.

Balluku wrote in a post on social media that during the meeting there were discussed the problems and proposals of Albanian producers with the aim of creating a climate as favorable as possible for the entire sector.

According to her, this sector has an irreplaceable role in the country’s economy./p.s./

“During the last three years, which have been difficult, Albania’s role on the international stage became more and more important, first as the chairman of the OSCE and then as a non-permanent member of the Security Council, where we join the US- as penholder for the war in Ukraine. We stand for the full implementation of international law and unconditional respect for the rule of law and human rights. We will continue to play a key role in the new European geopolitical configuration while remaining active in building long-term peace in our complicated region.”

“Albania is proud of 100% alignment with EU declarations on common foreign security policy, following a consistent path with the EU since 2004. We participate in regional initiatives, such as the cooperation process with Southeast Europe, the Regional Cooperation Council, the Berlin Process, the regional economic zone and we initiated with two other regional partners the first internal Balkan initiative called “Open Balkan”, Rama emphasized.

“I want to recall here that from now on it will be not only 2, but 4 of the 6 states of the Western Balkans to negotiate their entry into the Union. Believe me, in an area like the Balkans more concern for EU ideals means less ghosts from history in our political life. An increased space to project a hopeful common future and to speak with one voice, disperses the emotions from the past, condemns with absurdity the hatred, xenophobia and nationalist megalomania in the life of the peoples of the Balkans”, continued Rama.

“Being four negotiating countries to join the EU and not just two, the goal of unity is doubled and the spirit of division is halved. Despite our disappointments, it is important to emphasize that the EU is not just a project that will end one day; it has already given many dimensions and I would like to use this opportunity to once again express my heartfelt gratitude”, said Rama.

“I would like to say the Union’s financial assistance in preparation for membership, strong support for post-earthquake recovery, COVID vaccine assistance during the peak of the pandemic and the economic investment plan for the Western Balkans have played a decisive role to protect our relationship”, said Rama./r.e/p.s./

In the meeting organized by Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Olta Xhaçka with representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in Tirana, Ambassador Kim said that this is a historic moment.

“The threat, invasion and occupation of Ukraine by Russia poses a threat to all of us and to the international system that we and our ancestors worked for decades to build on the ruins of World War I and World War II”, said Kim.

The US ambassador also highlighted the speed, the determination, the perseverance, the seriousness and the sacrifice of all the countries in supporting Ukraine, but also defending our way of life.

“The United States positively assesses the role of Albania in the Security Council as our co-penholder on the issue of Ukraine and I express my appreciation to all of you, for your cooperation and contribution. And again we understand that your cooperation and contribution, including humanitarian aid or defense assistance or sanctions are not without costs. But, I believe we all agree that it is worth it,” said the US ambassador.

“In the end, we certainly emphasize our full solidarity with Ukraine and the people of Ukraine in these moments of this historic challenge”, concluded Kim./r.e/p.s./

The meeting was held like an open discussion with the purpose the further consolidation of cooperation between the media and the Ministry of Interior, including its affiliated institutions such as the State Police, National Inspectorate of Territory Protection and Internal Affairs and Complaints Service, having as the final goal the information of the citizens and transparency on issues of public interest.

“Due to the nature of the work performed by the institutions under the Ministry of Interior, the intensity of events and news is high. In this sense, it is in the interest of all parties to have an increasingly correct reporting “, said the minister.

Minister Çuçi thanked the journalists for their presence in this meeting and underlined the irreplaceable role of the media in revealing events that are far from the eyes of the public or law enforcement agencies.

The minister also highlighted the significance of investigative journalism as a very effective form of cooperation in the fight against organized crime and especially corruption of state officials./a.a/p.s./