The Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Mr Ferit Hoxha, received the Secretary-General of International IDEA, Dr Kevin Casas-Zamora, in Tirana. The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation to consolidate democratic institutions and enhance citizens’ trust in democratic processes.

In this context, the two sides discussed concrete cooperation programmes, including “Trust in Albanian Elections”, which is currently being implemented in Albania and aims to help increase public confidence in democratic processes and institutions.

Minister Hoxha briefed his interlocutor on Albania’s progress in the European Union accession process, highlighting the country’s overarching national objective of becoming an EU member by the end of this decade. He underlined that progress in this process is underpinned by the reforms undertaken and Albania’s commitment to strengthening the rule of law, democratic institutions, accountability and good governance.

Recognising International IDEA’s expertise in supporting democratic governance, electoral integrity and the European aspirations of Western Balkan countries, Minister Hoxha expressed his readiness to further deepen cooperation.

The meeting also addressed the importance of ensuring that democratic institutions are equipped to respond to emerging challenges and that reforms deliver tangible results for citizens. Minister Hoxha reaffirmed Albania’s commitment to working with international partners to consolidate democracy and advance the country’s European future.