TIRANA, Oct 19 /ATA/ – Acting Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Gent Cakaj told a press conference on Saturday that a negative decision to open the accession talks with Albania and North Macedonia two days ago is linked with the different visions of member states for the future of the European Union.
“The decision was not a result of Albania’s failure to live up to the required standards and criteria to open the accession negotiations, but it is linked with circumstances with EU being in a process of reviewing itself,” Cakaj stated.
“Albania and North Macedonia were treated identically,” Cakaj added – “because both countries have met all the required criteria to open the negotiations and because postponement of this decision has not to do with performance, but with other factors characterizing the EU.”
Speaking about the domestic state-building reforms, the acting Foreign Minister noted that “Albania is implementing a unique and unprecedented justice reform in the region and beyond. Again, the decision to formally start the negotiations was postponed because it has nothing to do with the merits of the aspiring countries.”
Cakaj vowed that despite the EU’s failure to deliver on Albania, the country will press ahead with crucial reforms and Albania’s EU integration is an irreversible process.
“The enlargement process will continue in tandem with the EU’s internal reforms. Postponement of the decision to open the membership talks doesn’t mean Albania will slow down its ongoing reforms. Albania will continue to deliver on the five key priorities and address all issues raised by Bundestag. Not just because this is indispensable for Albania’s European path, but because reforms are needed to build European Albania,” Cakaj said at press conference.
“The EU member states may not have enough strength to change France’s position, but everyone considers that Albania offers an exemplary model of reforms in the region. Once again I underline that Albania has to deliver on the main purpose of this process, building Europe and materializing its ideals here in Albania,” Cakaj said.
/u.sh/
