TIRANA, Nov 4 /ATA/ The European Union Ambassador to Tirana Silvio Gonzato said on Monday that the European Commission is ready to support Albania’s ambitious plans, while stressing that it is essential now for Albania to increase momentum of reforms.
In his speech at the opening of the ninth edition of the European Integration School, organized by the Assembly of Albania, the National Council for European Integration, in partnership with the Open Society Foundation for Albania (OSFA), the Delegation of the European Union, and the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Foundation, Gonzato said that the number of applicants has exceeded the available places in the school, demonstrating the strong interest in European integration in Albania.
“You represent various sectors of society, from public service at both central and local levels, and in fact, the local govt. level is becoming increasingly essential as we move towards EU membership, where the majority of policies and regulations from the EU’s acquis are implemented locally. Additionally, you represent non-profit organizations, the private sector, the academic world, and the media. But what unites you is that you all have the opportunity to actively contribute from your positions to Albania’s integration into the EU,” Gonzato addressed the participants in the European Integration School.
“As President of the European Commission, Ursula Von der Leyen stated two weeks ago during her visit to Albania with the recent opening of the ‘Fundamentals’ cluster as part of the membership process, the prospect of EU membership is now real and within reach,” said Gonzato.
Ambassador Gonzato also emphasized that the European Commission is ready to support Albania’s ambitious plans.
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