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Shkruar nga Charles Michel
The President of the Council of Europe, Charles Michel, said today in Tirana that the EU will keep its promise for enlargement, but the countries must meet the conditions first.
Responding to Rama's criticism of the wedding fable, Michel emphasized that Brussels is preparing the wedding itself, but Albania must meet the conditions set by the EU.
"This process fosters collaboration between our partners. Your journey began 20 years ago and has been a slow and frustrating journey for you and us, but now is the time to reach our premise and deliver on this promise. Our deadline has been met with skepticism in your region because you have waited a long time, and I know that you have compared the expansion to a bride whose groom does not come to the wedding, but we are preparing this wedding", he said.
Michel spoke more concretely about his proposal at the 'Bled' summit some time ago for EU expansion in the next 2 decades.
According to him, the time has come for this promise to be kept, while he assured the leaders that they will not wait so long and that they will not be disappointed.
"I myself asked the question, is the EU content only to manage the crisis or do we want to lead?" In fact there was a strong response, we want to lead. Enlargement is part of this answer because it is an investment in peace, both for the EU and for our future members. This process plays an important role to accelerate the cooperation between the Western Balkans and the European Union, having the integration in the EU as the integrating light.
Of course, we have to do a lot to be ready from both sides. Partners in the region, you know you have to fulfill your commitments and we have to prepare to welcome new members. I believe we should be ready on both sides by 2023 to expand, and I know this deadline has been met with skepticism because you have waited so long and compared expansion to a bride whose groom never comes. wedding However, we are preparing this wedding. We need to get things moving through your reforms. We need to get ready for the next expansion. Never more than today must we stand shoulder to shoulder with each other. We will be stronger to set standards and protect common interests", he said.
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