TIRANA, Nov 22 /ATA/ HThe official opening of negotiations for the first cluster with the European Union (EU) marks a milestone on Albania’s path to EU integration.
This is what the Governor of the Bank of Albania, Gent Sejko, stated during the meeting at the Bank of Albania with the Ambassador of the European Union Delegation to Albania, Silvio Gonzato.
The Governor thanked Gonzato for the technical assistance provided by the EU to strengthen the capacity of the Bank of Albania through IPA funds and Twinning programs in key areas of central banking, such as macroeconomic and financial stability, auditing, supervision, and payment systems, in support of its preparations for membership in the European System of Central Banks and eventually the Eurosystem.
The Governor and the Ambassador discussed the progress made by Albania and the challenges facing countries aspiring to become EU members, while also outlining the European Commission’s approach to leading and supporting the enlargement process.
Ambassador Gonzato congratulated Governor Sejko on Albania’s admission to the geographic scope of SEPA under the leadership and coordination of the Bank of Albania, as part of the regional project “Modernizing Payment Systems in the Western Balkans.” He emphasized that with this membership, the Bank of Albania successfully fulfills one of its main objectives within the European integration process.
During the conversation, Governor Sejko briefed his interlocutor on the economic landscape in Albania, emphasizing that despite challenging situations, the country’s economic performance remains stable with very positive indicators. Governor Sejko highlighted that the focus of economic policies during this period has been directed towards maintaining price stability, adjusting the monetary policy stance as a prerequisite for ensuring the country’s financial stability and guaranteeing price stability within the country.
Furthermore, Governor Sejko stated that the Bank of Albania believes that the comprehensive regulatory, legal, and institutional reforms undertaken within the framework of the European Union integration process provide a complete and consistent platform for addressing challenges.
The Ambassador congratulated Governor Sejko for the progress made in terms of economic development, particularly for the opening of negotiations with the European Union on the first cluster. Meeting the membership criteria leads to the comprehensive political, social, and economic development of the country.
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