Bulgaria has praised Albania’s progress in its European Union accession process. Bulgarian Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova-Chamova said political will and concrete reforms produce results. She made the remarks on September 18 in Sofia at the international “EU Meets the Balkans” conference.

Petrova-Chamova said EU integration should continue to follow the merits of each country. She highlighted Albania and Montenegro as examples of progress. The minister also said faster enlargement must not come at the expense of membership criteria. She described EU membership as an important partnership for countries in the region. Petrova-Chamova said citizens should also feel the benefits of integration before formal membership through EU instruments such as the Growth Plans and SEPA.

Meanwhile, the minister highlighted strategic connectivity in the Balkans. She pointed to the development of Corridor VIII as an important project linking the region with Europe. Bulgaria will host an international conference on Corridor VIII in October 2026.

Earlier, Petrova-Chamova reaffirmed Bulgaria’s support for Albania’s EU accession process during a June 10 meeting in Sofia with Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha. The two ministers also discussed the strategic importance of Corridor VIII and efforts to accelerate its implementation.

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