European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrived in Tirana to participate in the European Political Community Summit — the first ever held in the Western Balkans.
Through a post on the social media platform X, von der Leyen shared a photo from Tirana, accompanied by a symbolic message:
“What a powerful symbol. Our European family of values extends beyond the borders of the European Union. We share a continent. And a common future.”
The photo includes the President of Albania, Bajram Begaj, Prime Minister Edi Rama, President of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani, President of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić, and the EU’s chief diplomat, Kaja Kallas. Kallas had publicly criticized Vučić just a week ago, stating that EU member states have many questions for the Serbian president, especially regarding who Serbia’s true allies are.
Meanwhile, the Office of the President of Kosovo described Vučić’s recent visit to Moscow as “contrary to Euro-Atlantic values and principles.”
Vučić’s presence has drawn particular attention, coming just days after he participated in the Victory Day parade in Moscow, where he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping. The visit has sparked criticism from the West.
However, the Serbian president recently stated that “Serbia remains committed to its plan to join the European Union and wants to accelerate its accession efforts.”
Ursula von der Leyen’s full statement:
“In Tirana for the European Political Community meeting.
This is the first in the Western Balkans.
What a powerful symbol.
Our European family of values stretches far beyond the borders of the European Union.
We share a continent. And a common future,” wrote Ursula von der Leyen.
Summit Agenda
Today, Tirana hosts the 6th Summit of the European Political Community — a highly significant event that brings together 47 leaders from across Europe to the Albanian capital.
The summit, organized by European Council President António Costa and Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, is taking place in Skanderbeg Square under the motto:
“A New Europe in a New World: Unity, Cooperation, Joint Action.”
