TIRANA, ALBANIA - JUNE 16, 2025: The Southeast European Cooperation Process (SEECP) Heads of State and Government Summit concluded in Tirana on Monday, June 16, with regional leaders calling for stronger cooperation and accelerated European Union integration. Albanian President Bajram Begaj, joined by North Macedonian President Gordana Siljanovska Davkova and Bulgarian President Rumen Radev, addressed a joint press conference at the end of the summit. Begaj said the summit encouraged efforts to strengthen stability and prosperity through regional cooperation and EU accession, echoing Albania’s SEECP chairmanship motto, 'Shaping Our European Future'. He stressed that EU membership remains a transformative tool for peace, security and growth, while voicing concern over rising tensions between Israel and Iran. North Macedonia’s President Davkova highlighted persistent obstacles to regional integration and emphasized the need for change. She noted youth migration and population decline, urging more collaboration on infrastructure, energy, and digitalization to build a more competitive region. President Rumen Radev of Bulgaria underscored that the key to security, stability and progress lies in practical, results-driven cooperation. He reiterated Bulgaria’s support for North Macedonia, promising continued help to overcome challenges and implement EU standards. Albania handed over the SEECP chairmanship to Bulgaria for the next term, from July 2025 to July 2026, after taking over the role from North Macedonia. Established in 1996, the SEECP is the only regional cooperation forum that includes all 13 Balkan countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Kosovo, Montenegro, Moldova, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia and Türkiye. Reporting by Olsi Shehu // Writing by Aleyna Cil