European Parliament to Establish Western Balkan Office in Tirana

In the context of increased geopolitical tensions and renewed moment after EU enlargement, the new parliament office in Tirana will serve as a key point of contact between the European Parliament and national parliaments, civil society and local partners in the Western Balkans.

The office will promote Parliament's positions and activities, especially in terms of EU accession, and will support democracy and institutional reforms in the region. It will also help prepare and pursue official visits by the Eurodeputs, while strengthening co-operation with other EU actors on the ground, and with international organisations and civil society.

The European Parliament has consistently supported the European perspective of the Western Balkans, recognising its strategic importance for regional stability and wider European project. The creation of the antenna office reflects the EU's broader strategy for deepening engagement with candidate countries. The vital need to strengthen EU partnerships in the Western Balkans has become even clearer in view of current geopolitical challenges, no less Russia's war in Ukraine.

Establishing an EP antenna office in Tirana underscores parliament's strong commitment to supporting Western Balkan countries on their path towards EU membership, boosting stability, democracy and closer ties between the EU and its neighbours.