TIRANA, April 18/ATA/ Following the presentation of the European Commission’s Progress Report 2018, the European Commissioner for European Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn gave a video-message highlighting the country’s progress with the reform agenda.
“Dear citizens of Albania! I am happy to announce that the European Commission has recommended opening of accession negotiations with Albania. In doing so, we have acknowledged the impressive progress your country has made on the reform agenda, meeting the conditions necessary for entering into negotiations with the EU,” says Hahn in his message.
Further on, he emphasizes that the EU’s new Western Balkans strategy clearly shows that prospect of membership for Albania is real if the country continuous to deliver on the great reforms.
The Report, says Hahn, spells out in detail the progress that the country has already made as well as recommendation where to focus to achieve further progress.
“There are clear Albania’s first results in reforming the judicial system, its public administration, the human rights and fight against corruption and organized crime. The results are encouraging and important steps in the right direction,” emphasizes he.
According to Hahn, through the vetting of judges and prosecutors, Albanians will re-gain trust in the judiciary.
It’s important for Albania to continuo on this path and yield further results, said Hahn.
The EU accession negotiations will be the right format and a unique opportunity for Albania to modernize the country and increase the quality of life for its citizens through giving them better opportunities to have access to public services.
“Today, I would like to renew our firm commitment to support Albania on its EU path. I would like to congratulate Albania for having reached a milestone on its path toward the European Union. Together we can make it,” concludes Hahn./p.s./
