The Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, held an exchange of views with students from the Vienna Diplomatic Academy at the premises of the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.

The meeting was marked by an open and substantive discussion on the challenges and transformations shaping diplomacy in an increasingly complex and dynamic geopolitical environment.

At the core of the discussion was Albania’s European path, including progress in key reforms, the advancement of accession negotiations, and the country’s continued commitment to delivering concrete results in support of its integration into the European Union.

Minister Hoxha emphasized that Albania’s European orientation has been clear and unwavering since the outset of this process, describing it as a full and unconditional reconnection with its natural space of belonging—Europe.

“For us, there is nothing more comprehensive and vital than the process of accession to the European Union. A significant shift has taken place in Europe: enlargement is once again at the center of attention. Today, anyone who speaks about enlargement views it as a strategic investment in Europe’s future. Europe is a story of enlargement—a story of growth. And while it is often said that Europe will enlarge when the right time comes, for us, that time is now. There is no reason for delay,” Minister Hoxha stated.

He further underlined the importance of cooperation and shared responsibility in advancing the country’s European perspective, while also highlighting the role of the new generation of diplomats in shaping the future of Europe and the region.

The Minister also commended the long-standing contribution of the Vienna Diplomatic Academy in training generations of diplomats, emphasizing its enduring connection with Albania’s Foreign Service through the education of several of its representatives.