The Council of Albanian Ambassadors followed with particular attention and interest the development of the 6th Summit of the European Political Community (EPC) on May 16, 2025 in Tirana.
This Summit, the first in the Western Balkans, is the most important event of the year for our country. It was honored with the presence of 47 leaders of member states, as well as the Secretary General of NATO, Marc Rutte, the President of the Council of the EU, Antonio Costa, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, etc.
The importance of this Summit was even greater due to the extremely complex geopolitical situation on our continent, especially following the continuation of Russian aggression against Ukraine, the resumption of negotiations for a ceasefire and possible peace mediated by Turkey on May 16 in Istanbul, the conflict in the Middle East, etc.
On the other hand, the countries of our region face the major challenge of EU membership and in the context of creating a new, safer and more prosperous Europe, which was the motto of this Summit.
Although this Community does not make any decisions and does not issue any declarations, since according to President Macron it is conceived as “strategic intimacy”, the speeches and messages of European leaders in the plenary session, the discussions in the three panels and the bilateral meetings in its background have an impact on the reconciliation and approval of different geopolitical positions in Europe and beyond.
Also, hosting this Summit in Tirana, after 3-4 previous European summits, plays a significant positive role in the image of our country as a Euro-Atlantic partner, both domestically and especially abroad. It also testifies to our diplomatic capacities at all levels.
On the other hand, the situation and challenges that were mentioned and during this Summit require the intensification of efforts to implement major reforms, especially for the realization of the major objective of EU membership in 2030. In this sense, Prime Minister Rama’s proposal to create a coordinating structure at the European Council is worth welcoming.
Regarding the protest organized by the opposition on the day of the Summit, CAA would like to recall that democracy is a plurality of voices. Therefore, it is important that, in addition to the opinion of the government and other political and public actors on all issues and in the specific case of the parliamentary elections of May 11, its opinion, facts, and serious concerns are heard and respected, as in any civilized Euro-Atlantic country.
Even more so when the opposition protest was completely peaceful and awareness-raising, quite different from what happens in the cases of the G-7, G-20, Davos Forum, etc.
Finally, Council of Albanian Ambassadors takes this opportunity to express its best thank you to all European leaders and international organizations that honored our country with their presence and valuable contribution to the success of this important Summit.
