Berlin – The Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, participated in the international conference “EU Enlargement: Assessing New Concepts and Perspectives for 2027”, organised by the German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP).

In his address, Minister Hoxha stressed that geopolitical realities have made enlargement a strategic and security imperative for Europe. However, he noted that this must not come at the expense of substance and standards, as reforms remain just as essential as ever.

“We are not carrying out reforms simply to become European, but because we are European and because our citizens deserve institutions that function in accordance with European standards,” Minister Hoxha underlined.

According to the Minister, Albania is not seeking shortcuts on its path towards EU membership.

“EU membership is earned on merit; it is not granted as an act of solidarity. It is earned through reform after reform, chapter after chapter, standard after standard, by building functional, democratic and accountable institutions that Albania needs for its own sake and that EU membership requires. Albania is doing precisely that: pursuing reforms, ensuring implementation, strengthening accountability and seeking an assessment based on merit. But a merit-based process must work in both directions. When candidate countries deliver results, Europe must respond. When reforms produce results, they must translate into tangible progress.

Because enlargement is not simply about a larger European Union. It is about a stronger, more secure and, ultimately, fully united Europe,” the Minister concluded.