During an official visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Megi Fino, Deputy Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Albania, spoke with Sarajevo Times about Albania’s EU integration progress, the importance of political stability, and the opportunities for deeper cooperation between the two countries. In this exclusive interview, Fino highlights the lessons Albania has learned throughout its reform journey and how these experiences can support Bosnia and Herzegovina on its own European path.
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Albania’s Reform Experience as a Model for the Region
Reflecting on Albania’s recent achievements, Fino emphasized that her country’s progress has come from a combination of political will, disciplined reform work, and strong institutional commitment. She highlighted that Albania opened all EU negotiation clusters within just one year, describing this as an unprecedented milestone that required determination across all levels of government.
“For Albania, it has been very important to show the deep transformation has come from the political willingness combined with the discipline and work that every institution and public administration carries. We have had, unprecedented progress when it comes to opening all clusters within a time span of one year but that also comes with a lot of work behind it but also with a deep political will,” Fino emphasized at the beginning of the interview.
“Because for us, the EU integration has been a lifelong dream, for the last thirty years, it has been an aspiration, but we certainly had to combine that with the work that has been undertaken in the last ten years, since we have been a candidate country,” deputy minister explained further.
According to Fino, several aspects of Albania’s reform process are particularly relevant for Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“With regard to reforms, particularly in the current geopolitical context, the most transferable elements of Albania’s experience are, first and foremost, full alignment with the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy, where Albania has reached 100 percent alignment, as well as the justice reform. The latter represents one of the most comprehensive and challenging reform processes undertaken in the country. At the same time, it has proven to be highly effective, not only in advancing Albania’s EU path, but also in driving tangible institutional transformation, strengthening accountability structures, and reinforcing anti-corruption mechanisms. Digitalization is another important sector where in Albania over 90 percent of the public services are digitalized and last but not least progress in economic governance.”
She noted that economic governance reforms have also played a key role in Albania’s transformation.
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The Importance of Political Stability and a Shared National Vision
Fino highlighted political stability as a foundation for successful EU integration. Albania enjoys over 90 percent public support for EU membership, but she stressed that such support must be treated as a responsibility not as a mere matter of political expediency.
“Political stability is very important. Albania has a very high public support when it comes to the EU integration, it is above 90 percent, but with this it comes responsibility, you cannot take it for granted, but it also means that you need to work with this process in all of society approach, combining all the political spectrum, combining civil society, academia, private sector it cannot be done alone,” Fino said, adding that the EU process requires inclusion of all political actors, civil society, academia, and the private sector, insisting that integration cannot be carried out by a single institution or political group.
While debate is an integral part of any democratic society, Fino underlined that EU-related discussions must rise above everyday political disputes. For her, integration should remain a platform for cooperation and progress, aimed at improving legislation and delivering concrete benefits to citizens.
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Albania’s Support for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s European Path
Fino reiterated that Albania strongly supports Bosnia and Herzegovina’s territorial integrity, sovereignty, social cohesion, and its Euro-Atlantic perspective. She emphasized Albania’s clear position against separatist rhetoric and destabilizing actions, confirming that Tirana stands ready to assist BiH with expertise, technical support, and institutional cooperation.
“We are more than happy to cooperate, to share best practices, to exchange from our point of view and experience so far, exchanging on the whole process, assistance based on the negotiating experience staring from the screening process to then legislative harmonization, peer-to-peer cooperation between ministries, or relevant institutions, technical expertise on the acquis alignment, foreign policy alignment and implementation, such as sanctions regime implementation, regional cooperation and connectivity implementation, and support through peace keeping missions,” deputy minister explained.
Fino stressed that helping neighbors on the EU path is not only a priority for Albania but also a strategic investment in regional stability.
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Strengthening Cooperation in the Most Challenging EU Chapters
Looking ahead, Fino sees significant potential for closer coordination between Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina, especially in areas where Albania has undertaken deep reforms.
“We see a potential in even stronger cooperation, especially, I would say, in areas when it comes to justice reforms, public administration, which are quite challenging, judiciary, fundamental rights, democratic and good governance, energy transition. These are the main points where we could cooperate more closely, through regular exchanges, between not only foreign ministries, but also chief negotiators, ministries, agencies, targeted institution cooperation on specific chapters, establishment of the structured coordination platforms. Any form of cooperation, whether bilateral or through regional frameworks is important, as it allows us to learn both from each other’s shortcomings and from shared best practices.” Fino stressed.
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A Message of Resilience and Determination for Citizens
Addressing citizens who may feel discouraged by the slow and complex nature of EU integration, Fino emphasized the resilience that has long defined the Western Balkans. She acknowledged that the process sometimes moves slowly and faces setbacks, but insisted that consistent work eventually delivers results.
“While the process may at times appear slow and has experienced occasional setbacks, it is essential to maintain steady work, rhythm, and momentum, and not become disillusioned by the pace. When this commitment is sustained, tangible and positive results do follow” Fino emphasized.
Madam Deputy Minister recalled that even Albanians could not have imagined opening all clusters in a single year only a few years ago, proving that determination can overcome expectations. Beyond policy and legislation, she highlighted the cultural and psychological transformation brought by the EU process, describing the shift in mindset as one of its most valuable outcomes.
For Albania, full EU membership remains a national objective and a long-held dream, but Fino stressed that the journey itself is as important and transformative.
She encouraged citizens of both countries to remain committed, confident that steady progress will ultimately bring meaningful improvements to everyday life.
Interview by Zejna Yesilyurt
