TIRANA, March 20 /ATA/- EU High Representative on Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini, expressed her confidence that in the next 3-4 months the European Commission will give an unconditional, positive recommendation for the opening of EU accession negotiations with Albania.
At the hearing with “Friends of Albania in EP” group, which was also attended by PM Edi Rama, Mogherini pointed out that the European Council will decide in June to open the negotiations and start the dialogue thereafter.
“The process of Albania’s EU accession is part of the Western Balkans’ EU integration and it is not a favour that we make, it is a matter of self- interest for the EU itself,” Mogherini said.
Mogherini added that she did not like the word enlargement. “If you are talking about enlargement, it seems like a centre progressively expanding, while I think it’s a reunion of our continent. It is the first wave of integration that actually goes back to the DNA of the history of the union, peace and reconciliation. It is not just about economy, it is not just about security, it is not about spheres of influence, it is about bringing and consolidating peace and reconciliation in a region,” the EU High Representative, Federica Mogherini emphasised.
In Albania, over these years I have seen a remarkable determination and commitment, a strong sense of European vocation, she said.
Praising Albania’s incredible achievements, Mogherini said that PM Rama spoke about justice reform. It is true. We have worked together and have achieved, you have achieved results, because we have worked together at this and other things.
She welcomed the progress made by Albania in the fields of foreign policy, security policy and justice reform. Albania, a NATO member, is one hundred percent aligned to the EU foreign and security policy and is contributing to two EU military missions, in Mali and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Mogherini stressed Albania’s energy and dedication in implementing reforms and in the aspiration to be part of the European identity. “We need that kind of energy, this pro-European energy inside the Union exactly to remind ourselves what it is about.”
“The reforms made so far are incredible, however I will focus on security and foreign affairs policy and the efforts on justice reform,” according to her.
“The vetting process is on the point of producing results. Fight against organized crime is a fight that is being carried out in many countries and some member countries as well, albeit at different stages. It is a process that is the right approach to some issues,” the EU High Representative said.
It is like riding a bicycle, either you keep moving, or you fall. Are we ready to move forward, because
I think it is fair to say that the risk of not moving forward is not to fall. If Albania or the Western Balkans fall, it is not in the interest of the region and EU.
“The choice that we face as an institution is clear, which means not losing the results of a joint work over years, making progress and being irreversible,” Mogherini concluded her remarks. /a.g/sm/
