Speaking at a joint press conference alongside European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who is visiting Tirana as part of her Western Balkans tour, Rama reaffirmed Albania’s commitment to meeting all requirements arising from the European integration process.

“The President’s visit to Tirana, accompanied by her delegation, has delivered a strong positive message on the shared objectives we are pursuing. I would like to reiterate our firm commitment to moving forward with all the work required as the accession process enters its chapter-closing phase. We are preparing to begin closing the chapters shortly, with the aim of doing so before the end of this year,” Rama said.

Rama said intensive work would continue next year on a substantial number of the negotiation chapters that have already been opened.

He also highlighted the EU Growth Plan, saying Albania had succeeded in meeting several highly ambitious targets.

“The Growth Plan is one of the new initiatives of her second term. For the region, it has provided significant support, not only financially, but above all through what is now known as gradual integration, without having to wait until the end of the process for everything to be delivered,” Rama added.

/r.e/sm/