TIRANA, February 18 – At the Corridor VIII Ministerial in Tirana, foreign ministers of Albania, Bulgaria, Italy, North Macedonia, and Romania signed a joint declaration reaffirming close cooperation and good neighborly relations. Corridor 8 is recognized as a strategic East–West axis linking the Adriatic and Black Seas and a key component of the TEN-T network, enhancing stability, prosperity, and security in Southeast Europe.

The declaration highlights Corridor VIII’s political, economic, and security importance. Coordinated implementation closes connectivity gaps, strengthens regional trust, and supports EU integration of the Western Balkans. The ministers condemned Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and backed diplomatic efforts for lasting peace.

The corridor facilitates trade, improves logistics, strengthens regional and European supply chains, and links production capacities with labor markets. Investments in resilient, interoperable infrastructure aligned with EU plans are essential for gradual integration into the EU Single Market. Intermodal connectivity supports competitiveness, decarbonization, and shared economic benefits.

Security and military mobility are key. Corridor VIII enhances EU–NATO cooperation, rapid troop movement, and protection of critical infrastructure against hybrid threats and external interference.

The declaration commits to making Corridor 8 a fully functional, sustainable European artery, mobilizing EU and international financing, and consolidating high-level political and technical cooperation.

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