The Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Mr Ferit Hoxha, addressed the 14th meeting of Political Directors from the European Union and the six Western Balkan countries, hosted in Albania. In his remarks, the Minister focused on shared security challenges, the strategic importance of EU enlargement, and the role of regional cooperation in advancing European integration.

Minister Hoxha stressed that geopolitical shifts, instability and strategic competition call for stronger democracy and the rule of law, alongside determined progress towards a merit-based enlargement process. He described enlargement as a strategic investment for both candidate countries and EU Member States.

“Europe’s and the Western Balkans’ security are one and indivisible,” Minister Hoxha stated, underlining that cooperation within the framework of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) goes beyond meeting formal requirements. He emphasised that Albania is an active contributor to European security and that shared challenges require joint action.

As a NATO member and an EU candidate country, Albania stands in full solidarity with Ukraine in the face of Russia’s unjustified aggression. Minister Hoxha reiterated that borders cannot be changed by force and expressed his support for a just and lasting peace, as well as accountability for crimes committed and violations of international law.

In conclusion, Minister Hoxha emphasised that regional cooperation must remain a driving force for European integration. He called for concrete efforts to strengthen economic cooperation, trade, infrastructure connectivity and collective security, in the interest of a stronger, safer and more united Europe.