Albanian minister calls for urgent EU integration of Western Balkans at CEI meeting

July 1, 2024 -  Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Igli Hasani, attended the Central European Initiative’s (CEI) Parliamentary Committee meeting in Tirana, calling for a renewed push towards the integration of the Western Balkans into the European Union.

Hasani praised the CEI’s efforts in supporting the region and stressed the urgent need for EU member states to commit fully and without delay to this goal. He warned of the looming threats from external influences and underscored the necessity of a united, proactive approach.

“Given the real threat of direct or hybrid influences from third-party factors in the region, it’s imperative that EU countries focus on the Western Balkans’ integration immediately,” Hasani stated. He also thanked Hungary, which takes over the EU presidency today, for prioritizing the region’s enlargement.

Emphasizing Albania’s dedication to the CEI, Hasani described the initiative as a crucial platform for regional collaboration. “Albania has always been, and will continue to be, a strong supporter of every proposal and project within this initiative,” he affirmed.

The meeting opened with a moment of silence to honor the late writer Ismail Kadare, who passed away today, a tribute proposed by Hasani to recognize Kadare’s significant contributions.

Albania, a CEI member since 1996, is leading the initiative from January to December 2024, marking a pivotal year for regional diplomacy and cooperation.