Today in Brussels, Archbishop Ioannis of Albania held a series of important meetings with senior European Union officials.
As part of his visit, he met with Apostolos Tzitzikostas, the European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism. They discussed the historical significance of the late Archbishop Anastasios’s work, as well as Archbishop Ioannis’s vision for the future of the Orthodox Church of Albania. Archbishop Ioannis emphasized the importance of the church maintaining an independent and active presence in Albanian society, which faces significant challenges, including youth emigration and substantial demographic shifts.
Archbishop John also met with Marco Tarquinio (Italy), the Chair of the European Parliament’s Delegation for Albania and a Member of the European Parliament, highlighting the delegation’s key role in Albania’s European integration process.
He then met with the co-chair of the European Parliament’s working group on interreligious dialogue, MEP Željana Zovko (Croatia, EPP). The discussions focused on issues of religious freedom in Europe, placing particular emphasis on Albania’s successful model of harmonious coexistence among religious communities. At the same time, reference was made to the ongoing challenges faced by religious communities, especially about property rights.
During all of these meetings, Archbishop Ioannis emphasized that Albania’s accession to the European Union would benefit not only the country and its citizens, but also Europe itself.
These meetings took place during the Archbishop’s visit to Brussels from January 12 to 15, 2026, for a conference entitled “The Life, Work, and Legacy of the Late Archbishop Anastasios” on January 14 at the European Parliament. The conference was organized in his honor to mark the first anniversary of his passing.
The Primate of the Orthodox Church of Albania’s presence in Brussels is particularly significant at this critical stage of Albania’s accession negotiations with the European Union. Through its extensive social, educational, and spiritual work, the Orthodox Church continues to serve as a strong bridge between Albania and Europe.
Translated by Ioanna Georgakopoulou
