The sixth summit of the European Political Community begins today in Tirana under the motto “New Europe in a New World,” marking its first-ever meeting in the Western Balkans. The summit brings together heads of state and government leaders from 47 European countries, along with senior representatives of key European and international institutions.

The host of the Summit, Prime Minister Edi Rama, will hold a series of bilateral meetings throughout the day with attending dignitaries, in designated areas. These meetings will begin with the Secretary General of NATO, Mark Rutte, followed by the Prime Minister of Spain, Pedro Sánchez; the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen; the Sovereign Prince of Monaco, Albert II; the Chancellor of Austria, Christian Stocker; the President of Turkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan; the Prime Minister of Italy, Giorgia Meloni; the President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides; the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Dick Schoof; and the Prime Minister of Belgium, Bart de Wever. Prime Minister Rama will also greet all invited leaders with handshakes and join them for a family photo.

The day’s events will also include a formal welcome ceremony to the Summit, along with various artistic performances showcasing and promoting Albania’s national culture and traditions.

The Summit will continue throughout the day with plenary sessions and roundtable discussions.