Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha has reaffirmed Albania’s commitment to EU membership, marking 33 years since the Maastricht Treaty entered into force and established the foundations of the European Union.

In a social media post on November 1, Hoxha said the anniversary offered Albania an opportunity to look ahead to EU membership. He stressed that joining the Union would allow the country to take its place at the European table, assume its responsibilities and help shape the continent’s future.

“Our European identity has deep roots. Through domestic reforms and stronger partnerships across Europe, we are gradually turning our European ambition into reality. Our path is clear. Our future is European,” Hoxha said.

European leaders signed the Maastricht Treaty, officially known as the Treaty on European Union, in the Dutch city of Maastricht on February 7, 1992. It entered into force on November 1, 1993, transforming the European Economic Community into a broader political and economic union and formally establishing the European Union.