TIRANA, April 7 /ATA – By Maela Marini/- Albania’s EU accession negotiations are advancing at a “unique speed”, Prime Minister Edi Rama stated on Tuesday, rejecting suggestions that the process has stalled.
Speaking at an event on public sector job vacancies, the government head said talks with the European Union were progressing successfully, supported by a favourable geopolitical context and strong backing from the European Commission.
“The negotiation process is moving forward successfully and at a unique pace, not only due to our own efforts but also the geopolitical context in which it is taking place,” Rama said.
He highlighted the role of the public administration in driving the process, saying institutional capacity continues to improve despite ongoing challenges.
Rama said Albania is currently engaged with the European Commission on key interim benchmarks, describing the Commission’s assessment of the country’s progress as “extremely positive”.
“We have the European Commission on our side, which is very important, while we are facing member states on the intermediate milestones, which are a key moment in the negotiations,” he said.
The prime minister dismissed claims that the talks have been blocked.
“There is talk, for no reason, that negotiations have been halted or obstructed. This is not true, and those who say so do not understand what they are talking about,” Rama said.
He stressed that the accession process is rigorous and ongoing, involving continuous assessment rather than a straightforward path.
Rama said April would be marked by intensive discussions following the submission of questions by EU member states at the end of March, with decisions expected after the review process.
/u.sh/
