Albania and Austria discuss EU accession at Alpbach Forum

Albanian Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met with Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger at the European Forum Alpbach to discuss Albania’s path toward European Union membership and bilateral cooperation.

Hoxha expressed gratitude for Austria’s unwavering support for Albania’s EU integration and its leadership within the ‘Friends of the Western Balkans’ group. The discussions highlighted the strong economic partnership between the two nations, with Austria remaining a key strategic investor in Albania. Both officials also addressed the increasing complexity of the global and European geopolitical landscape.

During a panel discussion titled ‘Capability and Resilience: Mobilizing Europe’s Power to Act’, Hoxha emphasized that Albania is already contributing to European security through its alignment with the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy, participation in EU-led missions, and its active role within NATO. He stated that Albania’s ambition is not merely to be ready for Europe, but to be useful to it by helping shape a more resilient and united Union.