Hoxha With Young People in Jale: Youth Is Essential for EU Membership, Europe Begins at Home

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha, together with Prime Minister Edi Rama, took part in an open dialogue with 150 young activists from Albania, North Macedonia and Montenegro at #RinCamp2026.

The discussions with the young people, held during a panel organized by the National Youth Agency, focused on EU membership and Albania’s progress.

In his remarks, Minister Hoxha underlined that this process cannot move forward without the active engagement of everyone, especially young people, who tomorrow will be the direct beneficiaries of every investment made today.

“This is our national goal, our shared mission and the greatest opportunity for young people. No one is left out; everyone has a role to play. This generation will be the first to experience Albania as a Member State of the European Union. I have also emphasized during the tour of meetings with young people that Europe begins here. Decisions are made in Brussels, but reforms are carried out here. The effect of everything decided in Brussels is felt in Albania,” the Minister said.

According to Hoxha, when it is understood that EU membership begins here, at home, each of us, both individually and together, can contribute to bringing this future closer.

“While our task is to lead Albania toward EU membership, the task of young people will be to represent and defend both Albania’s interests within the European family and our common European interests on the global stage,” the Foreign Minister emphasized.