TIRANA, May 26 /ATA/ Following the conclusion of the 8th Intergovernmental Conference between Albania and the EU, Cyprus’ Deputy Minister for European Affairs, Marilena Raouna, praised Albania’s progress in its EU accession process, noting that the country has successfully met the interim benchmarks for the Fundamentals cluster.
During a joint press conference with Prime Minister Edi Rama and the Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, Marilena Raouna stated that the Council has assessed Albania’s progress based on the European Commission’s report on interim benchmarks, describing it as a significant achievement and evidence of sustained reform efforts.
According to her, this development paves the way for Albania to move forward in the EU accession process and, once other conditions are met, to begin the provisional closure of the negotiation chapters.
“During Cyprus’ Presidency, the Council assessed Albania’s progress on the Fundamentals cluster based on the European Commission’s interim benchmarks assessment report. Following this evaluation, today’s accession conference concluded that Albania has successfully fulfilled the interim benchmarks for the Fundamentals cluster. This is indeed a significant achievement and an important recognition of Albania’s sustained reform efforts and political commitment on its European path. This milestone allows Albania to move forward in the accession process and, once the relevant conditions are met, to begin the provisional closure of chapters. We have repeatedly stated that enlargement is a strategic priority for the Cypriot Presidency, that we would deliver results—and this is precisely what we are doing today,” said Marilena Raouna.
We firmly believe in enlargement as one of the most transformative policies of the European Union and are therefore particularly pleased that Albania’s accession process is progressing in a decisive and irreversible manner, fully in line with the EU’s merit-based approach, with rigorous and fair assessment and equally strict and fair conditionality.
She commended the Albanian government, institutions, and citizens for their commitment to implementing reforms, describing the integration process as challenging but also important and transformative.
“The conference today is also a sign of our unwavering commitment to the European future of the Western Balkans as a whole. I would like to commend the Albanian government, the authorities, institutions, and citizens for their dedication and determination in advancing reforms, including difficult reforms. We are aware that the accession process is a demanding journey, but it is one that is worthwhile, and one that demonstrates such a clear commitment to a shared European future. At the same time, today’s conference marks the beginning of a new phase, perhaps an even more challenging and demanding one in the accession process, as the Fundamentals cluster remains at the core of the negotiations,” she said.
According to her, the European Union looks forward to Albania continuing this reform momentum with the same determination that has brought it to this important milestone today.
“In this regard, today’s achievement represents both an acknowledgment of the progress made and the beginning of the next phase. The European Commission remains fully committed to supporting Albania throughout the process, and the Cypriot Presidency will continue to work until the very last day of its term with the same dedication and speed. Today’s conference once again demonstrates that enlargement policy delivers concrete results, where reforms by enlargement partners are pursued with determination, transparency, and credibility,” she said.
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