Albania’s European integration requires the contribution of citizens, political parties and public officials at all levels, Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha said on Monday. He spoke at the Interparliamentary Conference on the strategic agenda for European Union enlargement and Albania’s membership.

Hoxha said enlargement should be viewed as a political and geopolitical project, not only a technical process. He linked its security importance to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. He said a Europe that does not include all its countries remains weaker.

Meanwhile, Hoxha described Albania’s European choice as a strategic national decision. He said Albania seeks a fair, credible and merit-based accession process. The country aims to close as many negotiating clusters as possible this year. It also aims to complete all clusters by the end of next year.

However, Hoxha said accession should not be reduced to a calendar date. He stressed that reforms must improve citizens’ daily lives through better services, stronger protection for young people, a more competitive economy and higher welfare standards. He also called for the integration of the Western Balkans and practical links between regional countries and the European Union.

Hoxha said Albania’s commitment to European integration remains irreversible. He described Europe as Albania’s home and said the country has no alternative plan.

/a.p./