TIRANA, Sept 21 /ATA/ Marco Tarquinio, chairman of the European Parliament delegation, said today that “the European Parliament will continue to work with the Albanian Parliament on your path toward the European Union membership.”
Speaking at the 22nd meeting of the EU–Albania Parliamentary Stabilisation and Association Committee (SAPC), which is being held in Tirana, Tarquinio stressed that “technical assistance is one aspect, but there is also political assistance.”
The head of the European delegation described convergence with the European Union as a process driven by cooperation across several areas.
“As we have seen in all the meetings of our committee, what took place yesterday was a true prelude to the concluding phase of our work with European and Albanian citizens, who came from across the spectrum of your country. Their participation in this meeting, from the land of the eagles, represented an important act of democracy,” he said.
Tarquinio emphasized the importance of strengthening relations between representatives and citizens in order to continue working together during this crucial period of the journey toward EU membership.
“Of course, we all need to do something more. The European Parliament knows very well what role it has to play, and it knows well the role that the Assembly of Albania must play in the Western Balkans enlargement process,” he said.
Tarquinio emphasized the need to strengthen ties between representatives and citizens to advance Albania’s EU integration. He reaffirmed that the European Parliament closely follows Albania’s progress as a vibrant, nascent democracy, supporting its reform journey through sincere cooperation and mutual friendship.
He announced that periodic joint committee meetings between the European Parliament and Albania will continue, with the next session scheduled for late October focusing on transport and tourism—though his own attendance depends on other international commitments.
Tarquinio emphasized the need for approved reforms not to remain at an institutional level, but to be concrete and implemented on the ground.
In his remarks, the head of the European Parliament delegation also referred to the country’s political climate, stressing the importance of continued efforts toward a calmer environment between the majority and the opposition.
Tarquinio noted that while political friction between the governing majority and the opposition is inevitable, fostering a calmer political environment remains essential. He emphasized that joint parliamentary work clearly demonstrates Albania’s commitment to EU integration both locally and regionally.
“We are grateful for this participation, because it shows public opinion how Albania is progressing toward the European Union, sending a strong signal to other countries as well,” he said.
Tarquinio also noted that the enlargement process requires coordinated, joint efforts, emphasizing the importance of protecting democratic values throughout this journey.
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