TIRANA, February 24 – Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Elisa Spiropali, highlighted the importance of Albania’s partnership with Switzerland for the country’s European integration.

Earlier today, she attended the presentation of the Swiss Cooperation Program 2026-2028, invited by the Swiss Ambassador to Albania, Ruth Huber.

She explained that the program reflects a long-standing development partnership. For three decades, Switzerland has supported democratic progress, strengthened institutions, and improved public services in Albania. In addition, Spiropali emphasized that Swiss assistance has targeted essential areas, such as democratic reforms, institutional capacity, and service efficiency. As a result, citizens have benefited directly from better services and opportunities.

Furthermore, the minister noted that the 2022-2025 program rested on four pillars: good governance; economic development and employment; service infrastructure, climate, and energy; and healthcare. These pillars, she said, directly supported Albania’s reform agenda.

She also pointed out that Swiss cooperation affected citizens’ daily lives. For instance, entrepreneurs gained access to financing. Local governments improved public services. Young people acquired professional skills and better future prospects. Moreover, the program strengthened institutions by introducing high standards of transparency, monitoring, and accountability.

Looking ahead, Spiropali expressed confidence in the new program. She stated that Swiss support remains crucial as Albania’s European path becomes more structured. Clear objectives guide the coming years, targeting 2027 and 2030 as key milestones. At the same time, Switzerland remains one of Albania’s most important partners. Shared vision and the Albanian community of 250,000 in Switzerland strengthen this relationship.

In this next phase of cooperation, the minister said Albania will focus on political dialogue and economic partnership. Additionally, Tirana and Bern will deepen collaboration, promote investments, increase trade, and explore new opportunities for entrepreneurship. Finally, Spiropali highlighted sectors for further cooperation, including innovation, cybersecurity, tourism, vocational education, and other high-potential areas. She concluded that this shared direction will guide Albania and Switzerland in the years ahead.

/a.p./