President of Albania at the Southeast European Cooperation Process (SEECP) Summit: Promoting Regional Cooperation and Accelerating European Integration Process
President Bajram Begaj of Albania, in his address at the Southeast European Cooperation Process (SEECP) Summit held in Shkup, called for the strengthening of regional cooperation in the face of new challenges and for the integration of the Western Balkans into the European Union.
Addressing heads of state and government from the 13 member countries of this initiative, President Begaj stated that in the context of new geopolitical challenges, particularly following the Russian aggression against Ukraine and increased opportunities for third-party interventions in the region, the Western Balkans hold greater security significance for the EU.
“Advancing the EU integration process for Western Balkan countries,” President Begaj evaluated, “means investing in sustainable security.”
The President also outlined the reforms undertaken by Albania in its continuous and sustainable efforts to advance toward EU membership. He noted considerable progress in the areas of justice, freedom, and security, evidence of commitment to the standards and principles of the European Union.
During his speech at the summit, President Begaj positively assessed the outcomes of reactivating the Berlin Process and the growth plan for the Western Balkans as a boost for regional economic integration and the acceleration of European integration.
“We have an opportunity before us to enhance economic integration with the EU’s single market and at the same time, to promote economic integration within the Western Balkans through the Regional Common Market,” President Begaj stated.
“The Western Balkans’ Regional Common Market is serving as an entry gate towards the European Single Market,” declared the President of Albania, emphasizing that the new Action Plan of the Regional Common Market 2025-2028 will create the right environment to ensure full implementation of the Mobility Agreements.
At this summit, President Begaj also conveyed special appreciation to Shkup for the success achieved during its chairmanship of the Southeast European Cooperation Process (SEECP), a chairmanship which is handed over to Tirana for the period 2024-2025.