TIRANA, Nov 17 /ATA/-By Maela Marini/ Albania takes nothing for granted in its pursuit of EU membership, affirming that “we will do everything necessary to conclude the accession negotiations by 2027 and thereafter enter the phase of political support leading to full membership.
Following the 7th Intergovernmental Conference between Albania and the EU, Prime Minister Rama held a joint press conference with Marta Kos, European Commissioner for Enlargement, and Marie Bjerre, Denmark’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, whose country currently holds the EU Council Presidency.
“Today, Albania emerges from this initial phase with pride and a strong sense of responsibility. We are not here representing a political party or a single political perspective. We stand for a nation that supports the EU and its membership more than any other,” Rama said.
The Prime Minister highlighted that more than 90% of Albanians are in favour of joining the EU.
“I am certain that those few who fall within the small remaining percentage simply weren’t having a good day when the survey was conducted, because it is difficult to imagine any Albanian believing that EU membership is not the best path or the future we should strive for, for the sake of our children,” Rama added.
Reflecting on Albania’s experience in this process, Rama stated, “We have learned a very important lesson: never take anything for granted in Brussels.”
Rama stated, “When things go well, enjoy it, but never take it for granted. It can disappear in the blink of an eye. Therefore, continue to work diligently and meet every challenge with humility and tangible results. These are the qualities we value most. With our ‘mentor’, the European Commission, and the ‘wise ones’ on the other side, the member states, we are in good hands. Yet we must always remember that it is the work of our own hands that truly counts—not for them, but for us, not for the Commission or the member states, but for the Albanian people and future generations.”/j.p/sm/
