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DW: Tirana hosts the European Political Community summit

DW: Tirana hosts the European Political Community summit

Albania is the host of this high-level meeting, where around 50 leaders of states and governments from across Europe will gather in Tirana (16.05.2025) to discuss the biggest challenges facing the continent. Under the motto "New Europe in a New World: Unity, Cooperation, Common Action" , this political forum aims to deepen cooperation between the countries of the European Union and those outside it, as an open platform for dialogue.

Security, economic sustainability and mobility

The summit discussions will be held around three thematic panels, which reflect Europe's strategic orientation in the face of current and future crises. One of the main themes is security, with a particular emphasis on support for Ukraine and efforts to strengthen the continent's common defense capabilities. Leaders will also consider how to protect European democracies from external interference, through institutional stability and increased transparency.

Another important axis of discussion is building a more competitive and economically sustainable Europe. This includes commitments to strategic investments, promoting technological development, and accelerating the transition to clean energy.

The third topic of the summit on the Tirana agenda is related to the challenges of mobility and the empowerment of young people. At a time when migration remains a sensitive issue in many countries, the need for harmonized policies that enable safe and orderly movement of labor within the continent, preventing the phenomenon of irregular migration, is discussed. Emphasis will also be placed on creating opportunities for young people, whether in education, in the labor market or in inclusion in the democratic life of their countries.

Albania - Britain, two agreements in the field of defense are signed

On the eve of the European Political Community summit, two agreements have been signed in the field of defense between Albania and Great Britain. The Prime Minister of Albania, Edi Rama, confirmed that the opening of capacities for the co-production of weapons in Albania has been discussed. "We are very honored to have this partnership, with the hope that it will start with the production of vehicles, which will serve our common goals and then the more the better" – said Rama during a press conference alongside his British counterpart, Keir Starmer. The agreements include not only production, but also joint training, as well as opportunities for exports to third countries of common strategic interest.

Illegal immigration was also discussed between Prime Ministers Rama and Starmer. Starmer described the partnership with Albania as important, praising the success of the joint task force. "Our joint task force has worked to curb illegal immigration," he stated, signaling the continuation of cooperation in this area.

"In 2024, the number of Albanians who have entered, or attempted to enter, Britain illegally is several hundred, while at the moment we pushed forward to set up the joint task force, it reached 12 thousand, respectively in 2022 when there was a large influx," Rama said.

Prime Minister Rama also met on Thursday (15.05.2025) with the President of the European Council, António Costa, who gave encouraging messages about Albania's European path. "Membership is a matter of time, not of opportunity. Albania is on the right track," he said, adding with humor, "You have strong and long legs to take this step." / DW

 

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