Brussels, January 13, 2026 – His Beatitude, Archbishop of Albania John, held today a series of important meetings with senior officials of the European Union in Brussels.
His Beatitude met with the European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, Apostolos Tzitzikostas. The discussion focused on the historical significance of the work of the late Archbishop Anastasios and on the vision of His Beatitude, Archbishop John, for the future of the Orthodox Church of Albania. His Beatitude emphasized his commitment that the Church will remain a strong and independent voice in Albanian society, a society facing major challenges such as youth emigration and profound demographic changes.
His Beatitude also met with the Chairman of the European Parliament Delegation for Albania, MEP Marco Tarquinio (Italy). This meeting is of particular importance given the key role this delegation plays in the process of Albania’s European integration.
His Beatitude also met with the Co-Chair of the Working Group on Interreligious Dialogue in the European Parliament, MEP Željana Zovko (Croatia, EPP). During the meeting, issues of religious freedom in Europe were discussed and the successful model of harmonious coexistence of religious communities in Albania was highlighted. His Beatitude informed about the challenges that religious communities continue to face, especially regarding property issues.
In all three meetings, His Beatitude emphasized that Albania’s integration into the European Union is beneficial not only for religious communities and the Orthodox Church of Albania, but also for the Albanian people and for Europe itself.
These meetings took place within the framework of His Beatitude’s visit to Brussels (January 12-15, 2026), on the occasion of the conference to be held tomorrow, on January 14, at the European Parliament, with the theme: “The Life, Work and Legacy of the late Archbishop Anastasios”, organized by the European Parliament in honor of Archbishop Anastasios on the first anniversary of his repose.
The presence of the Head of the Orthodox Church of Albania at the center of European institutions is of particular significance at this critical moment for accession negotiations. The Orthodox Church, through its extensive social, educational and spiritual work, remains a powerful connecting bridge between the country and Europe.
📝 Translation: AI
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