Archbishop of Albania supports country's accession to European Union
Archbishop Ioannis of Albania with EU officials. Photo: orthodoxtimes.com
On January 13, 2026, Archbishop Ioannis of Albania held a series of important meetings with high-ranking European Union representatives in Brussels, supporting the country's EU accession.
During the visit Archbishop Ioannis met with Marco Tarquinio (Italy), chairman of the European Parliament delegation for Albania and member of the European Parliament, noting the key role of the delegation in Albania's European integration process.
During meetings with EU officials, Archbishop Ioannis emphasized that Albania's accession to the European Union would benefit not only the country and its citizens, but Europe itself.
Issues of religious freedom in Europe were also discussed, with particular emphasis on the successful model of harmonious coexistence among religious communities in Albania.
At the same time, current challenges faced by religious communities were addressed, especially with regard to property rights.
The meetings took place as part of the Archbishop's visit to Brussels from January 12-15, 2026, to participate in the conference "Life, Works and Legacy of the Late Archbishop Anastasios," which was held on January 14 at the European Parliament.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that according to Archbishop Ioannis of Albania, Orthodoxy is a key pillar of Albania's European path.
Read also
Coptic Patriarch prays at Liturgy in St. George’s Church at Phanar
On the Sunday of the Myrrh-Bearing Women, the head of the Coptic Church, Tawadros II, attended Patriarch Bartholomew’s Liturgy and recited the Lord’s Prayer in Arabic.
FRG priest: Orthodoxy has a great future in Germany
Orthodoxy in Germany is increasingly finding its place in society – not as an alternative, but as a way of life, says Priest Mladen Janić, rector of a Serbian parish in Cologne.
Hurricane-force winds damage UOC church in Vinnytsia
The roof of the Dormition Church in the Vinnytsia Eparchy was damaged by the storm.
Scholars restore 42 pages of Apostle Paul's lost letters
Researchers discovered unique commentaries on Scripture and reconstructed an ancient system of chapter divisions.
Widows of late UOC priests supported in Kyiv
A meeting for the wives of late Kyiv clergy was held on the Sunday of the Myrrh-Bearing Women.
Trump says Washington dinner gunman “hates Christians”
The U.S. president said the shooter at the Washington ballroom dinner harbored hatred for Christians and had left behind a “manifesto” targeting officials before the attack.