TIRANA, Nov 17 /ATA/ Albania marked another significant milestone today in its European integration process by opening the final negotiating chapter.
Speaking at a joint press conference following the 7th Intergovernmental Conference between Albania and the EU in Brussels, alongside European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos and Prime Minister Edi Rama, Denmark’s Foreign Minister Marie Bjerre, representing the country currently holding the rotating EU Council Presidency, stated that Albania belongs to the European family.
Bjerre commended Albania’s commitment while going down the path of European integration, emphasizing that, if reforms maintain the momentum, the country will soon become a member of the European Union.
“Albania has made significant efforts in implementing reforms and aligning with the EU. As a result, the country’s accession negotiations are progressing steadily. The first cluster was opened last September, and within just one year, all clusters have been opened under the Danish Presidency, marking a record pace. This milestone serves as recognition of the tremendous work Albania has undertaken towards its European future,” stated Bjerre.
Bjerre added that “the commitment to reforms demonstrated by the Albanian government and its people is truly impressive. The EU enlargement report shows that Albania continues to make progress on fundamental issues, particularly regarding judicial reform and the fight against organised crime and corruption.”
According to her, the next step is to fulfil the interim benchmarks within the framework of the fundamentals.
“This step will lay the groundwork for opening and closing the negotiation chapters. I encourage Albania to maintain this momentum of reforms and to promote inclusive political dialogue. Enlargement is a priority for the Danish Presidency. Today we are delivering yet another result, and if Albania continues on this path with the same focus, pace, and quality we have seen so far, I am confident that membership will be achieved in the very near future. Albania belongs to the European family,” Bjerre stated.
In concluding her remarks, Bjerre expressed her gratitude to Prime Minister Edi Rama for his collaboration over the past six months.
“It is remarkable how swiftly results are being achieved. My message is simple: maintain this momentum, and Albania will join the EU sooner rather than later,” she said.
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