TIRANA, May 12 – The challenges of Albania’s European Union accession in agriculture and environment were discussed at the international conference “Next Stop Europe”, held today in Tirana by the Agricultural University of Tirana.

Representatives of institutions and academics took part in the event. They focused on national strategies for food safety, public health, the economy and innovation. Meanwhile, discussions also addressed the need to align policies with European Union standards.

At the same time, National Food Authority Director General Blerina Gjylameti said food safety now represents a national strategy with broad impact on public health, the environment and economic development. She also noted strengthened cooperation with the university and international partners aimed at meeting European standards.

In addition, Gjylameti said Europe now demands not only high-quality food products but also sustainable, transparent and reliable food systems. She added that European integration goes beyond a political process and requires transformation in production, control and consumption practices.

The conference underlined the importance of harmonising national policies and practices with European Union standards as a necessary step in Albania’s integration process.

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