FLASH
Shkruar nga Pamfleti
Antonio Costa, President of the European Council, and Prime Minister Edi Rama, during a joint press conference, assessed Albania's progress on the path towards membership in the European Union.
Costa said that Albania has met the interim milestones for the first group of fundamental issues, adding that it has now entered a decisive phase of the negotiations. But the President of the European Council emphasized what he considered to be the key milestones for Albania's EU membership, listing as non-negotiable the fight against corruption and organized crime, as well as the strengthening of democratic institutions.
" I commend Albania's determination to join the EU and in particular your role, Edi, and your personal commitment to this process. Last week, we saw Albania's progress and it has met the milestones for the first group of chapters on fundamental issues."
Member States have understood and appreciated Albania's commitment to the EU path. This is the beginning of a challenging phase. These reforms, more than conditions, are choices on your part to build strong democratic institutions, a commitment to maintaining an independent judiciary, are fundamental.
Accelerate the fight against crime and corruption. The EU is the most reliable partner, the main investor and the most important trading partner. Enlargement is a geostrategic necessity for Europe, an investment in peace and stability.
"We look forward to meeting again very soon at the EU-Western Balkans summit in Tivat, which will be held on Friday. The summit will be a clear sign of determination to further our cooperation and move forward ," Costa said.
He further asked Albania to continue with the same pace of reforms and their implementation, in order to successfully conclude the negotiation process with the European Union.
On the other hand, Prime Minister Rama praised Costa's continued support for Albania's European integration process, describing him as one of the most important supporters of the country's advancement towards the EU.
"I want to thank Antonio especially for his continued commitment and tireless support, even before we practically completed the closing of the first phase and the opening of the closing phase ," said Rama.
He emphasized that the reforms and obligations stemming from the negotiation process are not being implemented for the sake of Brussels, but for the strengthening of the Albanian state and institutions.
"We have tasks to fulfill, not for the sake of Brussels, but for the sake of improving the performance of the state, institutions and independent powers in Albania ," he said.
According to Rama, the main challenge at this stage remains the implementation of reforms and approved legislation, while noting that Albania and the European Union share the same vision for the future of the integration process.
" We are in agreement regarding the tasks we need to do, the necessity to move at this pace and come to the conclusion of the negotiations. We have no concerns that divide us, but only concerns that unite us," declared Rama.
Lini një Përgjigje