TIRANA, June 2 – Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha took part in a discussion in Belgium on EU enlargement at the Egmont Royal Institute for International Relations, under the theme “EU Enlargement: An Albanian Perspective”.

In a post on X, Hoxha said the event gathered experts, diplomats, policymakers and researchers. They discussed EU enlargement as a geopolitical necessity and a strategic investment in Europe’s future.

He said the future of the Western Balkans is inseparable from the future of Europe. He added that a stable, secure and democratic Western Balkans remains essential for Europe’s geopolitical credibility and strategic resilience in an increasingly complex international environment.

Hoxha said Albania’s EU accession process has acted as a key driver of transformation. He cited institutional modernisation, rule of law strengthening, democratic governance consolidation, public administration reform and economic development.

He also said the process has reinforced Albania’s full alignment with European values, policies and strategic objectives.

Meanwhile, he stressed the importance of maintaining a credible, predictable and merit-based enlargement process. He said such a process must reward genuine reform efforts and deliver tangible progress for candidate countries and the European Union.

Hoxha said such exchanges help strengthen strategic dialogue and mutual understanding. He added that they support broader political and intellectual consensus for a stronger and more secure Europe.

/a.p./