Tirana becomes the political center of Europe: Albania will host 47 heads of state and government at the EPC summit on May 16, 2025. A strong signal for the region.

On May 16, 2025, the Albanian capital Tirana will host one of Europe’s most important political meetings: the sixth summit of the European Political Community (EPC). Forty-seven heads of state and government as well as representatives of EU institutions are expected to attend. According to the European Council, the decision to entrust Albania with hosting the summit was already made in 2024 (consilium.europa.eu).

Announcement by the United Kingdom

Tirana’s selection was first announced publicly by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in July 2024. At the closing conference of the fourth EPC summit in the United Kingdom, he announced that the next meeting would take place in Albania. The exact date – May 16, 2025 – was then set in December 2024. This information is taken from publicly available minutes and the summary on Wikipedia.

The significance of the EPC for Europe

The European Political Community was launched in 2022 on the initiative of French President Emmanuel Macron. The aim was to create a flexible framework for political dialogue between EU states and other European countries. The platform addresses issues such as security, economic stability, and fundamental democratic values. According to Wikipedia, the EPC is intended in particular to complement EU policy and strengthen Europe’s influence vis-à-vis third countries.

Tirana as a stage for European diplomacy

The summit is to take place in Tirana’s centrally located Skanderbeg Square, a symbolic location that stands for the country’s modernization as well as its cultural identity. According to the official meeting schedule of the European Council, the open event format is intended to present Albania as a reliable partner in European cooperation (consilium.europa.eu).

A signal for the Western Balkans

By hosting this summit, Albania is taking on a leading role in European politics for the first time. For many observers, this is not only a diplomatic success, but also a sign that the Western Balkans are increasingly being perceived as an active part of Europe – a step that is being hailed as a “symbolic breakthrough” by the media and experts, for example on Wikipedia and in diplomatic circles.