Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, held a meeting in Berlin with members of the Committee on European Union Affairs of the German Bundestag.

During the meeting, Hoxha highlighted the progress Albania has made on its path towards EU membership, as also reflected in the European Commission’s Progress Report, as well as the main priorities of the reform and development agenda.

“Our ambition to conclude the accession negotiations by the end of 2027, an objective now also reflected in the European Commission’s roadmap, is ambitious but achievable. It is underpinned by our determination to work hard, advance the necessary reforms and meet every standard required for membership. At the same time, we are fully aware of the challenges that remain, the lessons we must learn from them, and the considerable work still ahead of us,” Minister Hoxha stated.

The Minister stressed that “today’s Albania is profoundly different from the country that embarked on this European journey”.

“Our direction has long been set, our strategic choice is irreversible, and our destination is clear.

Equally clear is our determination to do everything necessary to earn Albania’s rightful place at the European table. We are not seeking shortcuts or favours. We ask to be judged on our merit, reforms and results,” Minister Hoxha said.

For the Foreign Minister, EU membership is not only about what Albania gains from Europe.

“It is equally about what Albania brings to Europe: security and stability, full strategic alignment, an unwavering European conviction, and a country ready to assume its responsibilities as a future Member State.”

The Foreign Minister underlined that throughout this journey, Germany’s support, engagement and trust have been, and continue to be, invaluable to Albania.

“Thank you to Chairman Hofreiter and all members of the Committee for the warm welcome and for their contribution to a substantive discussion. We know where we are heading. We know what remains to be done. And we are determined to see it through to the end.”