TIRANA, Jan 17 /ATA/ Prime Minister Edi Rama highlighted the importance of informing and engaging municipalities, as well as raising awareness, to prepare the country for European Union membership.
At a meeting with mayors in Golem, he noted that some challenges are particularly complex, pointing to environmental issues as a key example.
“The European Union provides new member states with transitional periods to prepare and adapt to its rules,” Rama emphasized.
“The greatest challenge faced by other countries before us has been in the environmental sector. If everything goes according to the plan agreed upon with the European Commission, and if we are capable enough to close negotiations by the end of 2027, it will still take another two years to complete ratification with member states. By 2030, Albania will take its seat at the European Union table, and there will be an additional 10-plus years to fully comply with EU environmental regulations. So, 15 years from now. It may sound like a long time, but in reality, it’s just a few years,” Rama said.
Another challenge, according to the Prime Minister, is food safety.
“We want a five-year transitional period for food safety. During this period, you may not be able to export, but you are allowed to consume your own products. After the transitional phase, however, you will no longer be able to consume products that do not meet European Union standards, because you are no longer a standalone market—you are part of a market of 450 million people. You will be subject to that market,” the Prime Minister emphasized.
“We need to be aware today that our farmers and rural enterprises clearly understand the situation. If they are not ready, they will have to close the shop. The need for transformation is this deep, and our understanding of these challenges must be just as deep. Awareness and engagement at the local level are essential,” Rama said.
He also emphasized the need for local-level involvement and the establishment of a joint working group between the government and municipalities to address the challenges of the EU integration process.
“We need to establish a joint working group between the government and municipalities to tackle these issues. This group would be led by the Minister of Local Government, with the Ministers of Economy and Tourism representing the government side, and mayors from Lezhë, Maliq, Shkodër, Himarë, Durrës, and Roskovec representing the municipality side,” Rama said.
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