Ferit Hoxha said today that Albania’s European integration remains a non-negotiable strategic objective.
Speaking in Parliament, Hoxha responded to an interpellation requested by Democratic Party MP Tritan Shehu.
The discussion focused on a joint article published in a German newspaper by Prime Minister Edi Rama and Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić earlier this year.
Hoxha stressed that the article did not question Albania’s EU membership goal.
Instead, he said the article proposed gradual integration into key European Union structures before full membership.
According to Hoxha, the proposal focused on faster and more flexible integration, especially in the economy, the single market and mobility.
Meanwhile, the official accession process would continue under the current EU methodology.
Furthermore, Hoxha said the EU enlargement process has become more complex in recent years.
He noted that the EU itself faces major challenges and internal debates.
At the same time, Western Balkan countries expect to avoid remaining indefinitely in the waiting process.
Hoxha explained that the proposal would allow candidate countries to benefit earlier from some advantages of EU membership.
These advantages include access to the common market, participation in European programs, greater mobility and stronger economic integration.
He stressed that such a model would not mean giving up full membership rights.
Instead, he described it as a temporary transitional phase aimed at accelerating integration.
“In this context, flexibility is not weakness, but political and strategic intelligence,” Hoxha said.
He added that the proposal would strengthen the credibility of the enlargement process and improve regional stability.
Moreover, Hoxha said a region more integrated with the EU would become more connected and less exposed to tensions and destabilizing influences.
He also rejected interpretations that the joint article represented a political alliance with Serbia.
According to Hoxha, the article simply showed that regional countries can cooperate when they share strategic interests.
He stressed that Albania fully supports the sovereignty and statehood of Kosovo.
Finally, Hoxha said integration into the European market and the Schengen area would benefit all countries in the region, including Albania and Kosovo.
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