The Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Mr Ferit Hoxha, met with representatives of Koning Willem II to discuss Albania’s journey towards European Union membership, the partnership with the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and the role of public affairs professionals in shaping informed, inclusive and effective policymaking.

During the meeting, Minister Hoxha expressed his appreciation for the Netherlands’ longstanding and principled support for strengthening democratic institutions and consolidating the rule of law in Albania. He emphasised that progress towards EU membership remains closely linked to the implementation of credible, concrete and irreversible reforms.

The Minister underlined that European Union membership goes beyond an institutional or bureaucratic process. It requires citizens, the private sector and civil society to play an active role, contribute to reforms and hold those responsible accountable for their implementation.

The meeting also explored opportunities to expand people-to-people contacts, professional exchanges and bilateral economic ties, as well as to share experiences between institutions. Minister Hoxha stressed that lasting connections between institutions, professionals and the societies of both countries strengthen bilateral relations and contribute to their shared European future.