Albanian Embassy in Brussels: EP Office in Tirana is a sign that our region holds special strategic importance for the EU

The European Parliament’s decision to open an office in Tirana will have multiple implications, serving as a key point for connecting the EP with national parliaments, the civil sector, and local partners in the Western Balkans, the Albanian Embassy in Brussels told Kosovo Online.

According to their assessment, this move signals Brussels’ intent to strengthen ties with the region, reflecting a shared understanding of the need for closer relations between the Western Balkans and the European Parliament.

“Our region holds special strategic importance for the EU, and the European Parliament’s increased presence and interaction with national assemblies in the region is both welcome and mutually beneficial. The decision to choose Tirana was made by the leadership of the European Parliament. We were not involved in this decision-making process, but we would like to believe that it was based on a careful and thorough analysis of all aspects. There is no doubt that Tirana – a rapidly developing and modernizing metropolis – has gradually established itself as a regional European hub. The Albanian society remains deeply committed to EU integration, with the entire political spectrum supporting national efforts to join the EU, reaffirming Albania’s strong and lasting European orientation. This commitment is further demonstrated by the current pace of accession negotiations, ongoing alignment with the ZSPP and the ZCSP, as well as Albania’s role as a reliable EU partner on the international stage and its proactive and principled engagement in the Western Balkans,” the Albanian Embassy in Brussels stated.

Regarding Tirana itself, they emphasized that it has become "a dynamic center for diplomatic engagements of all kinds and levels" and has further strengthened its status by hosting significant events in recent years, including the EU-Western Balkans Summit in December 2022.

When asked whether the new office would contribute to better relations among the countries in the region, given that all would be directed toward the office in Tirana, the Embassy responded that they expect "ongoing communication with the entire region."

“The mandate of the office will be defined by the European Parliament. We are confident that it will play a crucial role in deepening political, institutional, and civil-societal ties between the EU and the Western Balkans. The office will have a political mandate, to promote democratic development, enhance parliamentary cooperation, encourage public engagement, and assist in the preparation and follow-up of official visits by European Parliament members. Additionally, it will serve as a bridge between the European Parliament and national parliaments across the Western Balkans, facilitating legislative alignment and democratic reforms in line with EU standards. The office will also collaborate with NGOs, media organizations, and civil society groups to promote EU values, democracy, and human rights while acting as a local access point for citizens seeking to understand EU policies and decisions,” they explained to Kosovo Online.

Given its regional scope and exposure, they added that the office will also contribute to improving cooperation among Western Balkan countries by fostering greater dialogue and collaboration between parliaments and civil societies in the region. In doing so, it will support deeper regional integration, create a shared space for constructive engagement and cooperation, and help individual countries and the entire region move faster and closer toward the EU.