Hoxha: Albania seeks no shortcuts on the EU path, reform commitment unwavering

“Albania is not asking for favors or shortcuts in its European Union accession process, but for a fair, credible and merit-based process.” That was the message of Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha at the interparliamentary conference “The Strategic Agenda for EU Enlargement and Albania’s Membership,” held in Tirana.

Hoxha said Albania’s European choice was not dictated by expediency or circumstance, but is a national strategic decision, embraced by generations of Albanians and backed by exceptionally strong public consensus.

“For Albania, the European choice was not dictated by expediency or circumstances. It has been a national strategic decision, embraced by generations of Albanians and supported by an extraordinarily strong public consensus,” Hoxha said.

According to the minister, for Albania Europe is not merely a destination but a return to what he called “the home to which it belongs.”

Hoxha noted that Albania has undertaken one of the most ambitious transformation agendas in its history, citing the reform of the justice system, the modernization of the administration and improved governance.

Speaking on the merit principle in enlargement, he said candidate countries must meet their obligations and deliver tangible results, while the European Union must recognize progress when it is achieved.

“We are not asking for favors, nor shortcuts. We are asking for a fair, credible and merit-based process; a process in which results bring progress and progress can be recognized. The merit principle is essential to the credibility of the enlargement process and must remain at its core,” Hoxha said.

He added that the principle must work both ways: candidate countries must carry out reforms, implement them and achieve concrete results, while the EU must respond to that progress.

According to Hoxha, Albania has made considerable progress on the road to EU membership. “In less than two years we have opened all the chapters, met the standards and started the final phase — that of closing the chapters,” he said.

The minister stressed that membership should not be seen merely as reaching a date on the calendar, but as achieving the level of preparation that enables a country to fully contribute to the European project from day one of membership.

“Our commitment is unwavering. Our reforms continue. Albania’s future is in the European Union. And the future of a stronger, safer and more complete European Union undoubtedly includes Albania,” Hoxha concluded.