In his message, Ambassador Bergner emphasized Germany’s steadfast partnership with Albania, highlighting continued backing for key reforms, institution strengthening, civil society, and the fight against corruption.

German Ambassador welcomed the opening of five negotiation chapters in Albania’s EU accession talks and stressed the importance of sustaining reforms to meet the expectations of both Albanian citizens and Europeans.

“Albanian citizens expect constructive cooperation in parliament, an independent judiciary, and a persistent fight against corruption,” Bergner said, particularly commending the work of the Special Anti-Corruption Structure (SPAK) and judges who “resist public pressure and defend the rule of law.”

Bergner also noted Germany’s support for Albania’s economic development through projects led by GIZ and KfW. He underlined efforts to assist vulnerable populations and small businesses in rural areas. With 37 years of partnership, Germany remains Albania’s largest and longest-standing donor.

Another key focus area is sustainable tourism. German diplomat highlighted Albania’s impressive participation in the International Tourism Fair in Berlin, showcasing the country’s remarkable potential.

Addressing security and European integration, Bergner stressed that countries aspiring to join the EU must share common values of democracy, rule of law, and human rights – essential prerequisites for successful EU enlargement.

Germany, as a strategic partner, will continue providing comprehensive support across sectors including infrastructure, vocational education, energy, water resource management, and climate change mitigation.

Concluding his message, Ambassador Bergner invited all citizens to participate in the German Culture Week starting October 3 at the New Bazaar in Tirana. The event will feature an open-air festival celebrating music, film, culture, and traditional Oktoberfest atmosphere.

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“I went at a polling station at a school in Durrës – and it was using electronic voting system. This is a system that may take some time to get used to, but it brings more accurate and fair results,” Bergner said.

Ambassador also touched on the importance of elections for Albania’s European future, describing them as an important test for democratic standards and progress towards integration into the European Union.

“Transparent elections will be a solid test for the path toward EU integration. Even international observers, including Germans, expect the transparency of the process to be high,” he said.

The German Ambassador called on citizens to participate in the elections at a high level.

“I call on all citizens to use this day to cast their vote. Voter turnout rate, so far has been high – and I think every Albanian will benefit from these elections,” Bergner said.

“Voting is an act of responsibility for the future,” he added.

“Even if you are dissatisfied with the current alternatives, you should vote, it is a way of not rejecting the chance for the country, for the future of your family and children,” Bergner said. //a.i/