Tirana – Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, stated that Albania’s path towards the European Union is based on a strategic national choice and an unwavering commitment to implementing reforms.

Speaking at the Inter-Parliamentary Conference “Strategic Agenda for EU Enlargement and Albania’s Accession”, Minister Hoxha emphasized that Albania’s European orientation has not been dictated by circumstances or self-interest, but is a choice embraced by generations of Albanians and supported by a very strong public consensus.

“For Albania, the European choice has not been dictated by self-interest or circumstances. It has been a strategic national decision, embraced by generations of Albanians and supported by an exceptionally strong public consensus,” said Minister Hoxha.

According to the Minister, Europe for Albania is not simply a destination, but a return to the space to which it belongs.

Minister Hoxha underlined that Albania has undertaken an ambitious transformation agenda through the reform of the justice system, the modernization of the public administration and the improvement of governance.

Addressing the principle of merit, Minister Hoxha stressed that it remains essential to the credibility of the enlargement process, while Albania is not seeking favours or shortcuts, but a fair process based on the results achieved.

“We are not seeking favours, nor shortcuts. We seek a fair, credible and merit-based process; a process in which results bring progress and progress can be recognized. The principle of merit is essential to the credibility of the enlargement process and must remain at its core,” stated Hoxha.

He also stressed that the credibility of the process must work in both directions, requiring candidate countries to carry out and implement reforms and deliver tangible results, while progress achieved should also be recognized by the European Union.

For Albania, progress on its path towards the EU has been considerable.

“In less than two years, we have opened all the chapters, met the standards and entered the final phase, that of closing the chapters. Accession is not simply about reaching a date on the calendar. It is about achieving the level of preparedness that enables a country to contribute fully to the European project from day one,” said the Minister.

He also underlined that Albania’s focus at this stage is on implementing reforms and fulfilling its commitments.

“Our commitment is unwavering. Our reforms continue. Albania’s future is in the European Union. And the future of a stronger, safer and more complete European Union unquestionably includes Albania,” concluded the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs.