Albania has reached another important milestone on its European path as of October 2024. This development sends a strong signal to other Western Balkan countries that the EU recognises the geostrategic imperative of enlargement and that this historic opportunity must be seized. "Albania has demonstrated that it can play a constructive and significant role at both regional and international levels, as evidenced by its membership of the UN Security Council and its chairmanship of regional initiatives such as the Central European Initiative and the South-East European Cooperation Process. Let today's Intergovernmental Conference serve as a renewed incentive for further progress on Albania’s EU accession path," said Minister Fajon in her address.

As a supporter of enlargement, Slovenia remains committed to supporting Albania's European integration journey. It is now up to Albania to implement the necessary reforms, in particular in the rule of law, to consolidate its achievements in the areas of law enforcement, effective fight against corruption and organised crime, and promotion of fundamental rights, including media freedom, property rights and minorities.