TIRANA, February 18 – Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Elisa Spiropali called Corridor VIII a strategic necessity during the ministerial meeting in Tirana.

She opened the session with Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, North Macedonia’s Timcho Mucunski, Bulgaria’s Nikolay Pavlov, and Romania’s Ambassador Octavian Serban.

Spiropali said the corridor links the Adriatic to the Black Sea, markets to markets, and the region to the heart of Europe. She added that it continues the work of Via Egnatia, which connected ports, cities, and people two thousand years ago.

She explained that connectivity also means opportunity, sustainability, and security. Albania is becoming a reliable hub. Over €2 billion in priority projects are ready for implementation. Rail works on Durrës–Rrogozhina advance with European funding, while construction continues toward Pogradec. The new line connecting Tirana with Durrës and the airport nears completion. Meanwhile, road sections from the port to the eastern border are under construction or in advanced preparation. The 400-kilovolt energy interconnection with North Macedonia is almost finished.

Spiropali highlighted the corridor’s strategic value for European interoperability. It allows allied forces, equipment, and supplies to move efficiently in the region. In addition, it supports trade, economic growth, collective defense, and regional stability.

She stressed the need to integrate all corridor segments into Europe’s main transport network (TEN-T). This step would unlock funding, synchronize investments, and raise Corridor VIII to a true European priority.

Finally, Spiropali said practical measures are essential. Timelines must be coordinated, technical standards interoperable, borders processed faster, and financing managed jointly through European and international institutions. She concluded that Corridor VIII shortens distances, lowers costs, links businesses and labor markets, and turns geography into opportunity. It also signals that the Adriatic and Black Sea are gateways to Europe.

/a.p./