Spain reiterates its “firm support” for Albania’s accession process to the European Union

The Diplomat Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares received his new Albanian counterpart, Ferit Hoxha, in Madrid on Tuesday, March 17. They discussed bilateral relations within the framework of the fortieth anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, and Albares reiterated Spain’s “firm support” for Albania’s accession process to the European Union. According to a press release from the Ministry, during the meeting, held at the Viana Palace, Albares and Hoxha—who assumed office on March 6—reviewed the “excellent state” of bilateral relations “as we celebrate 40 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Spain and Albania” and 20 years since the opening of the Spanish Embassy in Tirana. The two ministers also discussed the situation in the Western Balkans, and Albares reiterated to his counterpart Spain's "firm support for Albania's candidacy in its EU accession process" and acknowledged the progress his country has made to date. Albares and Hoxha also addressed the strengthening of bilateral trade and investment relations, particularly in renewable energy and infrastructure, as well as the exponential increase in Spanish tourists to Albania (approximately 110,000 in 2025) and the growing demand for the Spanish language, including the efforts of the Cervantes Institute to increase its presence in the country. For his part, Ferit Hoxha highlighted, via social media, the importance of the fortieth anniversary of bilateral relations and political, economic, and cultural cooperation, and reported that both ministers agreed that "there is significant untapped potential" in bilateral relations, "especially in trade, tourism, sustainable energy, and other areas of mutual interest and benefit." “I expressed our sincere gratitude to Spain for its firm and continued support for Albania’s EU integration process and reaffirmed our strong commitment to advancing reforms on our path to accession to the European Union,” he continued. Finally, the two ministers discussed key issues on the global agenda and pledged to work together, both bilaterally and multilaterally, to address shared global challenges and promote peace, stability, and sustainable development.

Related Content

The 200 Spanish soldiers who remained in Iraq have been successfully evacuated

The Government announces its urgent measures to mitigate a war that “will cost Spaniards 5 billion euros”

Leo XIV receives the King and Queen in audience ahead of the Pope's upcoming apostolic journey to Spain

Sánchez calls for a “firm” EU response to the war in Iran that moves away from “belligerent logic”

Sheinbaum confirms that King Felipe VI has been invited to the World Cup in Mexico, as have “all countries”