The European Parliament (EP) approved the establishment of new offices in Albania and Moldova on Monday, 10 March, as part of a broader effort to expand its presence in Southeastern and Eastern Europe. The decision comes amid growing geopolitical tensions and renewed momentum for EU enlargement.
The new office in Tirana will serve as a key contact point between the European Parliament and national parliaments, civil society, and local partners. It will promote the EU’s positions on enlargement, support democratic and institutional reforms, and enhance cooperation with international organizations and other EU bodies operating in the Western Balkans (WB).
“The establishment of an EP antenna office in Tirana underscores Parliament’s strong commitment to supporting countries of the Western Balkans on their path towards EU membership,” the EP’s press release stated while emphasizing the role of the office in fostering stability, democracy, and closer ties with the region.
Additionally, the office will assist in organizing and following up on official visits by Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) and reinforce cooperation with EU institutions and civil society groups. This initiative aligns with the European Parliament’s long-standing support for the region’s European perspective, recognizing its strategic importance for regional stability and the wider European project.
The European Parliament currently operates antenna offices in New York (for United Nations relations), Jakarta (for ASEAN relations), and Addis Ababa (for African Union relations). The decision to establish new offices in Albania and Moldova follows previous expansions to Kyiv and Panama, reinforcing the EU’s diplomatic and institutional presence worldwide.
Source: EP
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