The Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Igli Hasani, participated in the International Conference for Peace and Sustainable Growth, held in Athens.

Minister Hasani emphasized that the integration of Albania and the region has stagnated for years, highlighting that the EU’s approach, pace, and commitment to this process need to change.

“Due to a compromised security environment, enlargement is once again at the forefront, as a critical strategic imperative with significant implications for the future stability, prosperity, and unity of Europe,” said Albanian Foreign Minister Hasani.

According to him, the integration of the Western Balkans into the European Union will open new opportunities for economic growth.

“Membership in the European Union for Albania and the Western Balkans is essential for the stability, security, and peace of the region and Europe as a whole. Gradual integration steps, including the Growth Plan, will open doors to the single market, catalyzing economic development, job creation, and infrastructure improvements, thus reducing economic disparities within Europe.”

Minister Hasani stated that the integration process must be efficient and credible, as anything less would mean a regression in time and effort.

“We have shown what we are capable of doing to protect our principles and values while chairing the OSCE and serving on the Security Council. This is why we should see the EU enlargement in the Western Balkans not merely as an expansion of the Union’s borders, but as an essential step towards a more stable, prosperous, and cohesive Europe,” he emphasized.

Hasani was part of the panel “The Perspective of Western Balkans’ Membership and its Importance for the Future of Europe,” alongside Serbian Prime Minister Milos Vucevic, and former Greek and Macedonian Prime Ministers Papandreou and Bučkovski.

/k.s/