The Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Igli Hasani, participated in the International Conference on Peace and Sustainable Growth, which was held in Athens.

Minister Hasani emphasized that the integration of Albania and the region has remained stagnant for years, as he underlined that the EU’s approach, pace and commitment to this process must change.

“Due to an affected security environment, enlargement is again at the center of the stage, as a critical strategic imperative that has important implications for the stability, prosperity and unity of Europe in the future”, said the Albanian chief diplomat Hasani.

According to him, the integration of the Western Balkans into the European Union will open new opportunities for economic growth.

“Membership in the European Union for Albania and the Western Balkans is essential for the stability, security and peace of the region and Europe as a whole.  Gradual integration steps, including the Growth Plan, will open the doors to the single market, catalyzing economic development, job openings and infrastructure improvements, thus reducing economic disparities within Europe.”

Minister Hasani stated that the integration process must be efficient and reliable and that anything less would mean going back in time and effort.

“We showed what we are capable of doing to defend our principles and values ​​as we chaired the OSCE and served on the Security Council.  This is the reason why we should see the enlargement of the EU in the Western Balkans not simply as an expansion of the borders of the Union, but as an essential step towards a more stable, prosperous and cohesive Europe”, he underlined.

MEFA Igli Hasani was part of the panel “The perspective of the membership of the Western Balkans and its importance for the future of Europe”, together with the Serbian Prime Minister Milos Vucevic, the former Greek and Macedonian Prime Ministers Papandreou and Bučkovski.