Lecture Albanian Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Bushati
On Tuesday 13 February 2018, the Europa Institute had the honour of receiving HE Ditmir Bushati, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania. He delivered a speech in the Academy Building in the framework of the European Union Seminar Series, jointly organized by the master’s programme in International Relations, the Institute for History and the Europa Institute.
The lecture, on the latest Enlargement Strategy of the European Commission, came at a crucial political moment for the EU. The new EU strategical focus rightly brings South East Europe back to the European agenda. This Commission Strategy is not only vital for the future of Western Balkans, but it is also important for the security of the EU.
In his lecture, the Minister spoke about security threats to Europe and in particular South East Europe. He mentioned internal threats including nationalism and populism, but also external threats as violent extremism. Furthermore, he emphasised the importance of strengthening cooperation with countries in the region, and the accession negotiations with the EU.
Ditmir Bushati has been a Minister since September 2013 and a Member of the Albanian Parliament for the Socialist Party since 2009. He holds a Master’s Degree in Public International Law (LL.M) from Leiden University. Prior to his involvement in politics, he worked in several positions related to EU affairs.