THE KEYNOTE SPEECH OF MINISTER OF STATE OF FOR EUROPE AND FOREIGNS AFFAIRS, MR HASANI, AT SYNERGY CONFERENCE | AS DELIVERED
Honorable Guests, Excellencies, Distinguished Representatives of Local Governments,
It is a great pleasure to be here today as we discuss the crucial role of local governments in Albania’s European Union integration journey. While much attention is given to national policies and high-level negotiations, it is at the local level where real implementation happens. Municipalities are the foundation of successful integration, ensuring that European policies translate into tangible progress for our communities.
Albania’s EU accession has gained significant momentum in recent years. A key milestone was in July 2022, during the Czech Presidency of the Council of the EU, when Albania officially began its accession negotiations. Since then, progress has accelerated, with two intergovernmental conferences held last year and the opening of two critical negotiation clusters. The unwavering support from our Visegrad partners—especially Hungary, Poland, and the Czech Republic—has been instrumental in sustaining this momentum. We also extend our gratitude to Japan for supporting regional cooperation through initiatives such as the Western Balkans Fund, which strengthens alignment with EU objectives.
As we move forward, the role of local governments becomes even more critical. Accession negotiations are not just about political will at the national level but require full engagement from municipalities to ensure that European standards are implemented effectively. In today’s interconnected world, challenges extend beyond borders, making regional cooperation among local governments essential. By working together, we can address both local and global challenges and lay the groundwork for a sustainable, prosperous future.
Local governments are the closest link between the state and its citizens, responsible for providing essential services and driving community development. Their proximity to the people allows them to play a crucial role in translating national policies into real progress. To ensure success, municipalities must be equipped with the necessary resources, autonomy, and institutional support to actively contribute to Albania’s EU agenda.
EU integration is not just about meeting conditions—it is an opportunity for growth, prosperity, and shared responsibility. Membership will unlock unprecedented opportunities for regional and local development, including access to EU cohesion funds, infrastructure projects, and social programs. However, these benefits can only be fully realized if municipalities are at the forefront of implementing EU initiatives. Strengthening local governance will not only facilitate smoother negotiations but also ensure that European integration is inclusive and sustainable for all Albanians.
The EU represents a vision of stability, peace, and economic progress. As Albania moves closer to membership, we must ensure that local strategies align with EU priorities to maximize the impact of available resources. EU integration should not be seen solely as an obligation but as a transformative process that fosters greater cooperation and shared prosperity.
I look forward to the insightful discussions taking place here in Tirana and the valuable contributions from local governments in shaping a stronger, more cohesive Europe. Thank you for your attention, and I am eager to engage further in this dialogue.
Thank you.
