Albania is once again in the diplomatic spotlight as it hosts the 2025 Brdo-Brijuni Summit, one of the most important annual meetings for regional cooperation in the Western Balkans. The two-day summit, taking place on October 5–6, 2025, in the coastal town of Golem, is organized under the patronage of President Bajram Begaj.
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| Foto of the leaders of Western Balkans at Brdo-Brijuni Summit in Porto MOntenegro, =ctober 8, 2024 |
Albania at the Heart of Regional Diplomacy
Hosting this year’s Brdo-Brijuni Summit underscores Albania’s growing leadership role in promoting peace, dialogue, and European values across the Western Balkans. As the only summit of its kind that brings together all the regional leaders under one framework, the event reflects Albania’s strategic importance in fostering regional unity.
President Bajram Begaj will lead the discussions alongside President Nataša Pirc Musar of Slovenia and President Zoran Milanović of Croatia, both co-chairs of the Brdo-Brijuni Process. The Albanian presidency aims to use this year’s platform to push forward the European integration agenda, with a special focus on youth empowerment, skilled labor retention, and sustainable growth.
Key Issues on the Agenda
This year’s summit will center on several crucial themes that directly affect the future of the Western Balkans:
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EU Enlargement and Integration: Strengthening the commitment to EU membership and implementing the EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans.
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Regional Stability: Promoting good-neighborly relations and open political dialogue to prevent conflicts and improve cooperation.
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Youth and Employment: Designing effective policies to retain talented youth and build inclusive labor markets.
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Green and Digital Transition: Supporting sustainability and technological development in line with EU standards.
President Begaj’s opening speech is expected to emphasize Albania’s vision for a more connected and resilient Western Balkans, fully aligned with European values and principles.
Official Schedule – October 6, 2025
10:30–10:50 – Official Welcome Ceremony, hosted by President Begaj, alongside Presidents Musar and Milanović.
Family Photo – Symbolic representation of regional unity and partnership.
11:00–13:00 – Plenary Session of the Brdo-Brijuni Summit.
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11:05 – Opening Remarks by President Begaj, setting the summit’s priorities for cooperation and EU progress.
13:00 – Joint Press Conference featuring the three co-chairs, summarizing the discussions and highlighting key commitments.
Expected Outcomes
At the end of the summit, participants are expected to sign joint conclusions reaffirming their shared dedication to:
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Advancing European integration for all Western Balkan countries.
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Deepening political dialogue and trust-building.
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Supporting governance reforms and rule of law.
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Implementing the Green Agenda and promoting sustainable economic development.
These outcomes are intended to serve as a roadmap for concrete action, ensuring that the commitments made in Golem translate into long-term progress for the region.
The Significance of the Brdo-Brijuni Process
Established in 2013 by Slovenia and Croatia, the Brdo-Brijuni Process is a cornerstone of regional diplomacy. It was created to facilitate dialogue, build trust, and strengthen the European perspective of the Western Balkans.
Over the years, it has provided a unique political platform for leaders to address sensitive issues, advance joint projects, and align regional policies with EU standards. Last year’s summit in Montenegro reaffirmed the importance of regional cooperation and the need for sustained engagement with the EU.
Albania’s Strategic Role
By hosting the 2025 edition in Golem, Albania reaffirms its active role in shaping the future of the Western Balkans. The event not only enhances the country’s international image but also demonstrates its commitment to European integration, stability, and sustainable development.
As discussions conclude, the spotlight remains on President Bajram Begaj and Albania’s leadership in turning dialogue into tangible progress. The Golem Summit stands as a milestone in Albania’s diplomatic journey — a moment that brings together nations in pursuit of a shared European destiny.