The Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, participated in the Ministerial Meeting of the Central European Initiative (CEI), held in Bucharest, Romania.

At a time when Europe’s security and geopolitical landscape is undergoing profound changes, Minister Hoxha emphasized that regional cooperation is more important than ever.

“The CEI remains a valuable platform for strengthening dialogue, connectivity and cooperation in our region, while advancing the European aspirations of its member states,” Hoxha stated.

The Minister underlined that regional cooperation and European integration are two processes that must go hand in hand and reinforce one another.

“Our region cannot become fully European if we remain distant from one another, and Europe cannot be fully united and strong as long as our region remains outside it.

This is precisely why regional cooperation and European integration must go hand in hand. When we remove trade barriers, connect our energy systems and transport corridors, recognize professional qualifications, strengthen digital connectivity and cooperate more closely on security, we are not building an alternative to the European Union. We are preparing our region to function as part of it,” Hoxha declared.

Highlighting the importance of economic and social connectivity, the Minister stressed that more interconnected economies build a stronger region, while closer societies foster trust and strengthen security.

“Greater trust strengthens security. And stronger ties between people turn proximity into partnership. Ultimately, a more interconnected, more cooperative and more resilient Western Balkans means a stronger Europe. This is the Europe we need: more connected, more secure, more resilient and, ultimately, united in its entirety,” the Minister concluded.