The Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Igli Hasani, participated in the 17th meeting of the European Parliament Stabilization and Association Committee for the EU-Albania.
Minister Hasani appreciated the institutional support that the European Parliament has provided to Albania over the years for progress on the European integration path, emphasizing that the recent report of the European Parliament on Albania, approved by the overwhelming majority of the plenary session, is strong evidence of this support.
During his speech, the Albanian Chief Diplomat focused on recent developments regarding the implications of Russian aggression against Ukraine for security in Europe and, of course, the situation in the Western Balkans region, which, as he emphasized, remains very concerning.
The only response to these challenges, Minister Hasani added, is to strengthen strategic cooperation between the countries in the region and the EU in all dimensions, especially in foreign policy issues, the rule of law, as well as economic development issues.
Minister Hasani appreciated the fact that the EU has increased its focus on geopolitics and security elements, especially after decisions that have reinforced the European perspective of Eastern Partnership countries. However, he expressed regret that the December 2023 Council did not positively respond to Albania’s expectations to take the most important step in the accession process, the start of negotiations for the “fundamental” chapter.
He emphasized the need for bold decision-making due to geopolitical realities in the Western Balkans region, unaffected by efforts to politicize the process for short-term interests.
“We need approaches that help develop a more reliable and predictable accession process, serving the pace of reforms, strengthening citizen support for the process, and concluding the process optimally after almost two decades”.
During the meeting, discussions were held regarding the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans proposed by the European Commission, considered as the most effective tool with which the region will gradually gain broader access to the EU single market and reduce the economic development gap between it and the EU.
