Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Energy, Belinda Balluku, attended today the second high-level conference of customs directors general from the Western Balkans and EU member states. The conference, titled “Customs Partnership for a Connected Europe – Strengthening CEFTA-EU Customs Cooperation for Seamless Connectivity,” focused on deepening regional ties through joint customs efforts.

In her remarks, Balluku emphasized that EU enlargement and the integration of the Western Balkans represent the European Union’s most important geopolitical investment of this decade.

“EU membership is not just about economic growth and prosperity. It’s about shared European values that unite our people,” she said.

She underlined that Albanians know very well what it means to stand before a closed door of the larger European family, to which they naturally belong. “We are native inhabitants of Europe’s heart. We are Mediterraneans, like our Greek and Italian neighbors,” Balluku stated. She added that Albania now stands at the threshold of administrative and official certification, which will make full EU membership possible.

Balluku noted that Albania has gone through a difficult past but has shown extraordinary commitment to meeting membership obligations.

“After many challenges, we are closer than ever to a door that once stood shut and is now half-open. We have strong faith in the dedication of Albania’s institutions and the political will of EU member states to welcome us,” she said.

She went on to highlight the role of institutions that work closely with the EU. In particular, she underscored the importance of the Albanian customs administration in the integration process.

“Every institution that coordinates efforts with the EU plays a vital role in our path to membership. Customs authorities are a key part of the state structure, with clear responsibilities in this process,” Balluku stated.

She described CEFTA–EU customs cooperation as a strategic pillar, further strengthened by this high-level meeting among regional and EU customs leaders.

The main goal, she continued, is to build a functional customs union. This union must ensure security, facilitate legal trade, and prepare the region’s economies for full integration into the European single market.

Balluku also pointed to Albania’s future role as a key entry and exit point for the European Union. For this, she called for technical support from partners, political commitment, and the development of human and administrative capacities to meet EU standards.

Looking ahead, she expressed confidence that the conference would spark further discussions on green and blue corridors, customs capacity building, and future cooperation needs in the context of EU enlargement and the Union’s Growth Plan.

Balluku also shared Albania’s recent progress in digitalization and the use of artificial intelligence in public administration. These developments, she said, have become essential for boosting efficiency and transparency in customs procedures.

According to her, these advancements have already produced concrete results. They have reduced operational time and improved services for businesses.

In closing, Balluku said it is a privilege to be in the right place at the right time to help lead Albania’s journey toward the European Customs Union.

“The EU’s 57-year success story remains the clearest guide for customs administrations across the Western Balkans,” she concluded.

/a.p./