Speaking at the Corridor VIII ministerial meeting in Tirana, Tajani said the project is not merely a technical or infrastructure initiative, but part of Italy’s broader strategy towards the region.

“For Italy as well, Corridor VIII is not only a technical and infrastructure choice – it is a political choice,” Tajani said. “This is part of our strategy for the reunification of the Balkans with European history. It is a strategic priority for the Italian government and for me personally.”

Tajani reiterated Rome’s support for the European integration of the Western Balkans, arguing the process should be seen as reunification rather than enlargement.

“We will do our utmost to help you become part of the European Union,” he said. “I am very clear about the Western Balkans and also about Ukraine. We support Ukraine’s EU membership, but first we must complete reunification. I say reunification, not enlargement – you are Europeans.”

He noted that a similar process had previously taken place with Bulgaria and Romania.

Tajani said a joint declaration to be adopted at the meeting would send a strong political message that Corridor VIII is a shared strategic priority for participating economies and for their security.

He also highlighted the Corridor’s economic importance for Italy, particularly in terms of trade flows, and underlined its relevance for NATO mobility, describing the route as significant for the Alliance’s operational flexibility in the region.

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Spiropali met with European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, who congratulated Albania on its impressive progress toward European integration.

The meeting was also attended by foreign ministers from the region and European nations supporting EU enlargement in the Western Balkans.

According to Foreign Minister Spiropali, European partners reaffirmed their support for Albania’s ambition to join the European Union within this decade.

“Albania remains firmly committed to its reform agenda – strengthening democratic institutions, consolidating the rule of law, building a resilient economy, and promoting sustainable development,” she said.

“These efforts enjoy broad social consensus, reflected in Albania’s continued highest public support for EU membership in our region. This is not only about shared values but also a deep conviction that our future lies within the European Union,” Spiropali added during the working breakfast.

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During the meeting, President Begaj underlined that Italy remains Albania’s irreplaceable strategic partner based on the excellent history of friendship, political, economic and social-cultural relations between the two countries.

“We highlighted our enduring strategic partnership, deep friendship, and shared values in international collaboration,” Begaj said.

President Begaj expressed appreciation to Deputy PM Tajani for Italy’s support for EU enlargement with the Western Balkans, and reaffirmed Albania’s commitment to its Euro-Atlantic path.

He also assured the Italian Deputy PM and Foreign  Minister Antonio Tajani of Albania’s commitment to further deepen and enrich cooperation on regional and international matters within international bodies.

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The government head announced on a post via the social media that an agreement on the pension rights for the Albanian citizens living and working in Italy is now ready and will finally be signed.

“Meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy, Antonio Tajani. We’re finally ready to sign the much-anticipated agreement on pensions for Albanians in Italy,” Rama says via the social media.

The Minister of State for the Relations with Parliament, Elisa Spiropali, and the Chief Negotiator for Albania’s accession to the EU, Majlinda Dhuka.

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“Welcomed this morning in Tirana my dear colleague Italian Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Antonio Tajani.

We discussed ways to strengthen our excellent bilateral cooperation ahead of his upcoming meetings in Albania today,” wrote Hasani in the social media./p.s./