TIRANA, May 20/ATA/ President of the European Council Charles Michel stated today that Albania has met all the conditions for opening of membership negotiations and membership talks should begin as soon as possible.
In a joint press conference with Prime Minister Edi Rama, Michel said, “It is a pleasure to be back in Albania. Since my last visit in early 2020, many things have changed, COVID, of course, the war in Ukraine, but, one thing has not changed and will never change and this is our full commitment to the integration of Albania in the EU”.
“This is a key moment for us to meet with you today, with a true ally, with a true friend, because as we speak, Russia continues to attack Ukraine and we continue to maintain and increase economic pressure on Russia. Europe and its allies have stood together in support of Ukraine. I would like to thank you, Prime Minister, for the strong support of Albania, full of determination”, he said.
“Thank you for your work in the global arena, and especially this year as a member of the Security Council. You have been a reliable partner, a true friend and a true ally for us,” said Michel.
“Also,” said Michel, “we also discussed the relationship between the EU and Albania. So, Albania is part of the European family and the EU remains the main partner for Albania and the largest financier for Albania “.
“We need to add new energy to this integration process because the current challenges make us think and move beyond the traditional models with new ways of thinking, with innovative ways of creating new incentives for reform. We are working to give tangible results to all Albanians and to all our partners in the region. This means that we are already accelerating integration and not waiting until membership negotiations are fully completed”, said Michel.
“In June, you mentioned, we will have a meeting of 27 EU leaders, with you and the leaders of the Western Balkans. Albania has met all the conditions for the opening of membership negotiations. And membership talks should start as soon as possible,” Michel said.
The head of the EC, added that, “Today, later on, I will go to your National Historical Museum and see the work that is going on in the Mosaic. The restoration of the Mosaic is in fact a powerful symbol of the strong and great heritage of Albania. And after the earthquake that you mentioned, we told you that you can count on us to support you further. And we are continuing our work more than ever. The EU managed to raise all those funds like never before for infrastructure and you have to be sure that you can continue to rely on us,” said Michel. /j.p/p.s./
