Albania has stressed the need for greater attention from NATO and the European Union to the Adriatic region, emphasizing its strategic significance.

This statement was made by Megi Fino, Deputy Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, at the conclusion of Albania’s presidency of the Adriatic Charter (A-5).

In her address, Fino highlighted the priorities and accomplishments of Albania’s presidency, praising the open-door policy. She pointed out that currently, three out of the four A-5 countries are NATO allies, while Bosnia and Herzegovina is an aspirant member.

“We also welcomed the observer countries of the Charter—Kosovo, Serbia, and Slovenia—with guest status, which serves as a clear example of the open-door and inclusive regional approach of this initiative,” she stated.

Fino underlined that during Albania’s presidency, the focus was on enhancing coordination and cooperation among A-5 member and observer countries to address regional hybrid threats. These threats, she noted, are multifaceted challenges for the region and beyond, particularly in light of recent cyberattacks targeting several Charter countries.

She also stressed the importance of further strengthening regional cooperation for security, while strongly condemning the terrorist attack on November 30 in northern Kosovo, calling for a thorough investigation and legal accountability for the perpetrators.

“We urged the upcoming presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina to prioritize Kosovo’s membership in A-5 during its tenure, as it is essential for the security of the entire region,” Fino said.

Her remarks were made in the presence of Josip Brkić, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which will assume the next presidency.

/k.s/