Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha took part in the 12th edition of the “Tirana Connectivity Forum”, a platform for discussions on connectivity, regional cooperation and the European future of the Western Balkans.
Minister Hoxha stressed that political commitments to European Union enlargement must be accompanied by concrete steps towards the accession of candidate countries, based on a clear roadmap agreed with the EU, according to a statement issued to the media by the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs’ press office.
“Albania is doing its part. We are moving forward chapter by chapter, criterion by criterion, reform by reform, with the objective of concluding accession negotiations by 2027. Because reforms are not conditions imposed from outside; they are investments in a stronger, more democratic and more prosperous Albania. Long before they become EU standards, they are milestones on our path towards development and modernisation,” Hoxha said.
Minister Hoxha also expressed support for gradual integration, which allows candidate countries to participate in EU policies and programmes and benefit from opportunities offered by its market before full membership.
“Through phased participation in EU policies, the Single Market, joint programmes and strategic projects, we can accelerate convergence while at the same time strengthening confidence in the enlargement process. This is not, and cannot be, an alternative to full membership, but rather a more credible, pragmatic and sustainable path towards it, benefiting both candidate countries and the European Union itself,” the Foreign Minister stressed.
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