Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha took part in the ministerial meeting of the Central European Initiative (CEI), held in Bucharest, Romania, where he stressed that cooperation among the countries of the region and integration into the European Union must go hand in hand. In his speech, Hoxha addressed changes in the security and geopolitical situation in Europe, emphasizing that regional cooperation is more necessary today than ever.
“Our region cannot become fully European if we remain distant from one another, and Europe cannot be fully united and strong as long as our region remains outside of it. That is precisely why regional cooperation and European integration must go side by side. When we remove trade barriers, connect our energy systems and transport corridors, recognize professional qualifications, strengthen digital connectivity and cooperate more closely on security, we are not building an alternative to the European Union. We are preparing our region to function as part of it”, Hoxha said.
The minister said that removing trade barriers, connecting energy systems, recognizing professional qualifications and cooperating in the field of security are not alternatives to European integration, but steps to prepare the region to function as part of the EU. ”Closer societies create more trust. More trust strengthens security. And stronger ties between people turn proximity into partnership. Ultimately, a more interconnected, more cooperative and more stable Western Balkans means a stronger Europe. This is the Europe we need: more connected, more secure, more sustainable and, in the end, united in its entirety”.
