TIRANA, February 9 – Foreign Minister Elisa Spiropali today presented the draft law on Albania’s Foreign Service, describing it as a core reform linked directly to European Union integration.

Speaking before the Committee on Europe and Foreign Affairs and the Committee on Legal Affairs, Spiropali said the draft law raises standards of professionalism, meritocracy, transparency, and institutional coordination, at a time when Albania is accelerating accession negotiations with the European Union.

She stressed that the initiative goes beyond a technical update and represents a structural reform of Albanian diplomacy, aimed at strengthening trust with international partners and ensuring credible representation of the country abroad.

According to Spiropali, the reform improves protection for Albanian citizens outside the country and increases the efficiency of consular services, while offering more structured support for cultural and identity activities within the diaspora.

The minister said the draft law also opens new channels for civil society participation and supports economic diplomacy by facilitating the opening of new diplomatic and consular missions to connect Albania with global markets.

Addressing the diplomatic corps, Spiropali noted that the law strengthens career structures, improves financial treatment for diplomats and their families, and reinforces merit-based advancement.

She added that the reform enhances coordination among state institutions, clarifies appointment procedures for heads of missions, and raises professional criteria for career diplomats, closing gaps in the current legal framework.

Spiropali also announced a renewed Diplomatic Academy, expanded cooperation with partner institutions, limited external appointments for individuals with strong international experience, and the creation of economic offices and cultural centers within diplomatic missions, aiming to make Albanian diplomacy more active and effective worldwide.

/a.p./