As part of the Croatian Cultural Week organised by the Embassy of the Republic of Croatia in Albania, on 20 November 2025 I delivered a lecture entitled Building a Europe of Peace: Croatia’s Role at the premises of the Europe House in Tirana.

With the support of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Croatia, Croatian Cultural Week was held in Tirana from 17 to 20 November 2025.

The programme opened on Monday with a concert of operatic friendship. On the second day, Zrinka Ogreste’s film Blue Flower was screened. On Wednesday, an exhibition on the cravat was opened at the National Library, accompanied by a ceremonial parade of the Cravat Regiment.

As the concluding event of Croatian Cultural Week, I delivered a lecture on Europe as a project of peace. I presented the philosophical, political and historical dimensions of the development of the European Union and paid particular attention to Croatia’s contributions.

The lecture was moderated by Vanja Gavran, counsellor at the embassy. Among those in attendance, alongside several ambassadors and diplomatic representatives, members of associations and students, were Genc Pollo, President of the Pan-European Union of Albania, and members of the Pan-European Union.

In my closing message, I highlighted the following:
“The European Union cannot be complete without South-Eastern Europe. Enlargement is not merely a matter of bureaucratic procedure or negotiating chapters; it is a matter of peace. Cohesion is not simply a line in the European Union’s budget; it is an act of solidarity and an investment in our shared future. Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia – and all countries sincerely committed to accession – deserve a fair chance and steadfast support on their European path. Only in this way can the project of a united, free and independent Europe be brought to a dignified conclusion.
The countries of South-Eastern Europe that are on the path to joining the European Union should be given the opportunity to conclude negotiations swiftly, fairly and on merit – to be followed by full membership. Enlargement strengthens peace and security. Cohesion fosters development and integration. A true pan-European vision leads us forward – towards a Europe that is united, independent, in solidarity, prosperous and, above all, peace-building.”

After the lecture, I gave an interview for an Albanian television channel.

Invitation to the lecture (PDF)
Top Channel Albania (Video)
Albanian Times