French Culture Week in Korçë! French ambassador: We fully support Albania’s European integration

As part of the French Culture Week, which this year is dedicated to the city of Korçë, the Ambassador of France to Albania is making an important visit to the city, highlighting the long-standing and other ties between France and Korçë. During her speech, the ambassador emphasized that this event is not just a European cultural celebration.

“This message was clearly expressed by President Macron during his visits to Albania,” the ambassador stated.

The French Ambassador from Korçë:

“As you know, we have the French Culture Week, which is a national event, and we have decided to dedicate it to Korçë. Our relationship with Korçë is traditional and long-standing; the goal is for this relationship to become part of the present and serve the future, which is why we are here. Beyond the cultural project, within the framework of the cooperation between the municipalities of Chambéry and Korçë, I would like to thank Mr. Sotiraq Filo and Mr. Thierry Repentin, former French Minister for European Affairs, who came especially for this event in Korçë. France fully supports Albania’s integration into the EU—this has also been stated by President Macron during his visits to Albania. European integration is achieved not only through culture but also through the development of territories, territorial cooperation projects, and sustainable development. Therefore, I want to thank both mayors for the projects they are undertaking in this field.”

This event was also attended by the mayor of Chambéry, Thierry Repentin, who is also a former French Minister for European Affairs. He emphasized the importance of local connectivity in the overall integration process. He stated that Albania is part of Europe through concrete projects in the fields of culture, education, and development—playing a key role in aligning with European standards.

French Culture Week in France features the activities of artists, showcases performances, and supports digital initiatives, strengthening the bridges of cooperation between countries and highlighting the role that culture plays in the European integration process.

The Mayor of Chambéry, Thierry Repentin:

“The fact that I am here today as the mayor of Chambéry, but also as a former Minister for European Affairs, is to reaffirm once again that Albania is part of Europe, and we will accompany this process of EU membership. This reality and this European perspective have been supported at high political levels; the French government supports it, as President Macron has visited Albania twice, and Prime Minister Rama has made continuous visits to France.

I believe that territorial institutions, such as municipalities, also play an important role in EU integration, with the aim that projects between countries can develop. We have called for cooperation within projects involving countries aspiring to join the EU, and we have chosen to work with the municipality of Korçë because of our close geographical proximity, but also because of the priorities of territorial development in culture and education.

After several months of cooperation, we currently have a concrete project in Korçë for the French Culture Week, including performances as well as digital projects. Culture needs to be enriched and developed, especially nowadays, and an important factor is the use of innovative techniques.”

“KORÇA BOOM”