TIRANA, April 9 /ATA/ The European Union ambassador in Tirana, Silvio Gonzato, has told Euronews Albania that the country’s membership process is progressing as expected. He rejected claims of a standstill, adding that speculation in the press does not reflect the reality of Albania’s EU path.
Gonzato underlined that discussions among EU member states are a routine part of the Union’s procedures and are conducted under confidentiality. Responding to reports that some countries are said to harbour reservations about Albania’s progress, he dismissed the claims as hasty interpretations. ‘This is a process that requires consensus,’ he said. ‘The meetings are designed precisely to build that consensus among member states.’”
Gonzato clarified that the talks held within COELA form part of a technical and political process, where member states examine the European Commission’s assessments and request further detail. He acknowledged there has been speculation about developments in COELA, but said he would not engage with it, stressing that the negotiations are confidential and must be respected. The ambassador added that the continuation of meetings demonstrates the process remains active. ‘Another session has already been scheduled, which shows negotiations are ongoing. I do not believe it is correct to speak of a stalemate,’ he said.”
Gonzato added that exchanges among member states should not be seen as divisions but as part of a necessary evaluation process. ‘Member states analyse the situation, raise questions and then agree on a common position, particularly on the closing benchmarks that ensure reforms are sustainable and irreversible,’ he said.”
Asked about the possibility of Albania being decoupled from other countries in the accession process, Gonzato said he had no information on such an approach.
He emphasised that he had not heard of any link or separation between the countries. The accession process, he noted, is merit‑based, with each candidate assessed on its own performance.
In conclusion, the EU ambassador reaffirmed that Albania has achieved notable progress. He emphasised that the accession process remains firmly anchored in reforms and subject to continuous assessment by European partners.
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