Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Elisa Spiropali held a year-end reception today with journalists, diplomats, and the senior leadership of the ministry.

In her speech, Spiropali said the government will invest all its energy and capacity in a strategic goal. Albania aims to close EU accession negotiations by 2027 and join the European Union within the decade.

She stressed that Albania’s European path follows a simple idea. Albania belongs in Europe. She said this is the country’s only choice and solution.

According to Spiropali, EU membership remains the national vocation of the Albanian people. She described the process as deeply transformative.

Reviewing the year, she said 2025 was an exceptionally successful year for Albania and its diplomacy.

“Albania opened 33 chapters in 13 months. No one has moved this fast before,” Spiropali said. “In 2026, we will align the speed of negotiations with the pace of reforms and the closing of chapter clusters.”

She added that Albania strengthened its role and the role of Albanians in partner countries and beyond.

Spiropali said the new diaspora law boosts cooperation between state authorities and the diaspora. For the first time, Albania has a clear coordination mechanism. From Tirana, it works as one body with the diaspora, from California to Sydney. The government also created new mechanisms to protect language, identity, and heritage.

She expressed confidence that the new law on the Foreign Service will strengthen diplomacy. Improved financial conditions and the status of diplomats will better equip Albanian diplomacy to lead this historic effort toward EU membership.

“In 2026, we must turn our European future from a reflection into daily reality,” Spiropali concluded. “It must become our new normal.”

/a.c/