Political Importance

Starting as of January 1, 2020, Albania will hold the Chairmanship-in-Office of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) over a calendar year until December 31, 2020. For the first time in its history, Albania will assume the Chairmanship of this large organization. As a result, Albania will be part of the Troika of the Organization Chairmanship together with Italy and Slovakia, when in 2018 and 2019 respectively, held the OSCE Chairmanship.

As of 1 January 2020, Albania will be in the spotlight of the other 56 participating countries, and the Mediterranean Partner countries and Asian countries, attributing it a broader diplomatic role and  a great responsibility of chairing one of the largest main organizations in the international arena. Tirana will host major events, conferences with over 4,000 participants, together with high level personalities for the Chairmanship.

Albania’s commitment to strengthen peace and stability in the Western Balkan region and that of the OSCE, constitutes a solid guarantee for a very successful Chairmanship. Also, as the Chair of the Organization in 2020, Albania will show maturity, full responsibility in steping up the efforts made by Troika (Italy 2018; Slovakia 2019) and ensuring the continuity of the main Organization’s priorities.

The Albanian OSCE Chairmanship for 2020 is the biggest political and diplomatic success in its multilateral engagements since its membership in NATO. Therefore, Albania will chair the OSCE, driven by a sense of responsibility and motivated by the determination to contribute to the overall security, stability and democratization of the continent.

From a historical background, Albania joined this organization in 1991 and since then it has been a major beneficiary in many institutional aspects, especially in the transition period, to develop a stronger state with democratic values and obviously ​​in view of the respect for fundamental rights.

Almost just three decades later, Albania is now close to the historic moment when preparations are underway to lead and provide a significant contribution to this organization.

Albania views the Chairmanship as an excellent opportunity to significantly increase its promotion as an active country contributing to peace and stability, Albania will face an exceptional challenge, but nonetheless it is a well-deserved international appreciation for its active role in promoting democratic values, security and stability in the international arena.