Tirana, 13 March 2025 – Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Mr. Igli Hasani, participated today in the “Conference on EU Enlargement and Societal Transformation in the Western Balkans: Civil Society and Youth Engagement for Democratic Sustainability”, which was held at the College of Europe.
In his speech on the transformative potential of EU enlargement in a new geopolitical context, Minister Hasani emphasized the primary importance that the EU should attach to the admission of new members and the building of strong and sustainable partnerships:
“This strategic EU enlargement policy remains the best geopolitical instrument in addressing security threats, uncertainties and challenges to peace and stability. This discussion is more relevant than ever today in an international environment dominated by increasingly growing geopolitical tensions and competition”.
Minister Hasani underlined that the Western Balkans are important for the security of the European continent.
“Over the past two decades, our main argument for EU integration has been to turn the Western Balkans from Europe’s “powder keg” into a security provider. Despite the slow progress of the EU accession process, the region has made significant strides forward. Most of us are NATO members; regional cooperation has fostered reconciliation and security, becoming a popular initiative among our citizens, with four out of five people believing that the region should work together to combat challenges.” – said Mr. Hasani.
Regarding Albania, he stated that our country in particular has unstoppably oriented itself towards Euro-Atlantic integration.
“Our strategic position in the Western Balkans makes us a valuable partner for the EU, especially in addressing regional challenges such as migration, security and geopolitical stability. Closer integration with the EU will further strengthen our cooperation in these areas, advancing our common interests.”
Meanwhile, Mr. Hasani, in his speech, assessed that the EU enlargement process offers countries like Albania not only a path for political and economic integration, but also for democratic consolidation and social transformation, while emphasizing the unwavering commitment of our country to its European journey:
“We remain committed to maintaining the pace of 2024: opening all group chapters by 2025 and to making every effort to conclude the negotiations by 2027. Enlargement is vital for Albania, its society and its future. For us, it is the only plan for the present and the future. Every effort and all our energy will be invested in making it a success for Albania and for what it means for the European Union.” – stated the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania, Mr. Igli Hasani.
