Budapest, Hungary, 13-14 March 2025 – Deputy Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ms. Megi Fino participated in the High-Level Panel of the ninth edition of the Budapest Balkan Forum.

With the theme “Reflection on the Achievements of the Hungarian Presidency of the EU: Impacts on South-Eastern Europe”, this panel provided an opportunity to assess the progress achieved during the Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the second half of 2024.

In her speech, Deputy Minister Fino praised Hungary’s commitment to promoting the EU enlargement agenda, which remains of great importance for Albania and the wider Western Balkans region.

Reflecting on Albania’s progress, Fino expressed the importance of opening negotiations on Chapters 1 and 6 during the Hungarian Presidency, underlining Albania’s commitment to the European integration process, as well as emphasizing Albania’s readiness to cooperate closely with its partners to build a stronger and more inclusive Europe.

During her visit to Budapest, Deputy Minister Fino also delivered a lecture at the Hungarian Diplomatic Academy on Albania’s European integration progress.

During her lecture, Ms. Fino underlined the importance of the Western Balkans Growth Plan, which provides financial support of 922 million euros to Albania over the next three years. This plan aims to accelerate economic convergence and integration into the Regional Common Market, bringing concrete benefits to Albanian citizens and businesses.

In conclusion, Deputy Minister Fino emphasized Albania’s unwavering commitment to continue with reforms and to meet all necessary criteria for full membership in the European Union by 2030.