Speaking at the “Diplo 2025” diplomatic conference which started on Monday in Tirana, Ambassador Gonzato stated that Albania is at the most important part of the European Union accession process.

“Serving as the European Union’s representative in Albania is a truly rewarding experience. I feel personally engaged in this important endeavor,” stated Ambassador Silvio Gonzato during the “Diplo 2025” conference. “The message I wish to send across is sincere and grounded in reality — particularly to the youth of Albania, who often feel disillusioned and look for their future beyond the country’s borders. To them, I say: this is the moment. It is the young generation — with their creativity and the skills Albania urgently needs — who hold the potential to achieve what may seem impossible and bring Albania into the European Union as a full member state.”

Gonzato stated that this moment presents a unique opportunity for the EU, especially since in recent years the Union has been more inward-looking, showing a certain degree of egocentrism when confronted with major challenges.

“Understanding that our model is threatened within Europe has made us more aware than ever of the need to do everything possible to ensure that the entire continent sharing this project upholds these common values. Becoming a member of the EU is not merely about joining a single economic or market entity; it is a political endeavor grounded in the values we share with one another. The validation of this reality will happen even when Albania becomes a member,” Gonzato continued.
“For the first time in Europe, there exists a threat of euroscepticism—not from those who question the European project itself, but rather from those who fail to fully uphold the ideals and values established by the founding fathers of the European Union. This challenge concerns not only the enlargement of the Union but also its completion. There is no denying that Albania rightfully belongs to the European Union and evidently to Europe itself ,” Ambassador Gonzato emphasized. He further noted that Albania possesses significant strengths in the realms of democracy, economic growth, and its active role in enhancing foreign policy within various European forums.

Gonzato highlighted that Albania’s enthusiastic population reflects strong national support for EU integration. He praised the country’s significant progress and expressed confidence that all negotiation chapters will be closed this year. Despite concerns in some EU states about organized crime, Albania’s firm crackdown on these networks signals the emergence of a renewed and committed nation.

“An additional challenge I perceive is the growing focus on tangible results. Passing legislation alone is not enough; it is crucial to ensure these laws are properly enforced. This requires a professional public administration composed of dedicated individuals who progress in their careers through meritocracy. Nevertheless, effective implementation also hinges on the involvement of other stakeholders,” Gonzato stated.

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During the joint press conference after the meeting, Kiselova praised Albania for its substantial progress in the European Union accession process.

“Albania is ahead of the curve in its EU integration efforts compared to other Western Balkan countries.”

“Not only the Parliament, but also the government and every minister, across the entire political spectrum, believe that Albania’s full EU integration is a factor of stability for the Western Balkans,” she said.

Kiselova emphasized that “the Bulgarian National Assembly will make every effort to assist you in your intensive work in the coming years, so that we can later celebrate together once we are all members of the EU.”
“Our political dialogue is at an excellent level, and I believe we can continue to build on our positive relations throughout our legislative term. Your legislature will begin in September. I am confident there will be strong cooperation between committees, and we will assist in every way we can, both within NATO and across all international organizations. We are working together and hope to jointly advance peace and security in the Balkans,” Kiselova said.

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During the joint press conference with Prime Minister Edi Rama, held at the Prime Minister’s Office, Costa expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Rama for his hospitality.

“It is a pleasure for me to conclude my tour of the six Western Balkan countries here in Tirana,” he said.

“For the European Union, enlargement with the Western Balkan countries is the most significant geopolitical investment we are making at the moment. This is the right time, and it is now in our hands to advance this process as quickly as possible,” emphasized Costa.

“Albania exemplifies the European Union’s enlargement process, remaining on the right path toward EU membership,” he added.

Costa emphasized that “the elections’ outcome this week once again confirmed the Albanian citizens’ fervent desire to integrate into the European Union.”

He also congratulated Prime Minister Rama on his electoral victory, describing it as “impressive.”

“The accession of Albania to the EU is our shared objective, and here, it is not a matter of if or how, but rather when,” emphasized Costa.

“You know precisely what needs to be done, and what I want to do is encourage you to maintain focus on this objective and achieve even more results as you near the finish line,” stated Costa.

He emphasized that “at this stage, two key issues are crucial: maintaining momentum and intensifying efforts, particularly in strengthening the rule of law and combating corruption.”

“We also stand side by side on the international stage, firmly committed to deepening our cooperation on issues related to security and defense,” emphasized Costa.

He further added, “The first high-level dialogue between the EU and Albania on defense and security, recently held in Tirana, is a great example of the alignment with each other.”

“This week marks another milestone—the organization of the European Political Community Summit in Tirana, which will bring over 40 European leaders to your capital,” he said.

“This is the first time that this summit is being held in this part of Europe. So, allow me to congratulate you on the excellent organization of this event. I look forward to tomorrow’s meetings, and I am confident that they will be productive,” said Costa.

The President of the European Council also congratulated Federica Mogherini for her initiative, in collaboration with Prime Minister Rama, to open the College of Europe in Tirana. He extended a warm welcome to the first-year students.

“I regret that I won’t have the opportunity to visit the College of Europe, and I sincerely apologize for that. However, it is a pleasure to see you all here today. Europe is not solely about prosperity or values; it also relies on our shared vision for the future. Witnessing the first ‘Jacques Delors’ cohort in Albania is truly inspiring. Following the legacy of the EU’s founding fathers, this marks a significant milestone, and now, much like in 1992, we stand at a pivotal moment for another crucial step forward. Fortunately, you have the strength and determination to take bold and confident steps ahead,” said Costa.

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In a joint press conference with the European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, Rama emphasized that if Albania is ready by 2030 to join the European family, it means that we have built for Albanians a state that functions according to EU standards.

In response to the media, Rama stated that Albania stands alongside the USA and the EU, and makes it a point to take note of its strategic partners’ feedback.

“The good news for Albania and Albanians is that Albania is no longer an island cut off from the world, nor is it a country on this continent that has made any choice that affords it to turn its back on Europe. Albania is a country that wakes up every morning hand in hand with the EU and the United States, and moves forward every day side by side with its strategic allies. At the end of the day, it takes note of their feedback, their recommendations, and the next day wakes up to continue down this path, because Albania, and the fact that Albanians have unanimously decided to belong to the EU, has no other way,” emphasized Rama.

“And if those interested in domestic politics have certain opinions, that is part of living in a free country. But if certain opinions question the reforms and their results, for which and because of which we sat at the EU table, the problem is neither mine nor the EU’s nor any other partner’s. Albania still has many mountains to climb before reaching the highest peak, that of membership. We want to reach that peak within this decade. We want to be ready within this decade, just as we were ready when the EC recommended starting accession negotiations and the Council said ‘No.’ In this case, if we are ready by 2030, it means that Albania and Albanians will ultimately have a state that functions like an EU state,” concluded Rama.
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According to US embassy in Tirana, Ms. VanHorn congratulated the team for the committee’s strong work in advancing Albania towards EU accession and reiterated the importance of bipartisanship and the spirit of inclusivity and participation

Yesterday, the Chargé d’Affaires VanHorn, held a meeting with the chairwoman of the Parliamentary Committee for Legal Affairs, Public Administration, and Human Rights, Klotilda Bushka, and the vice-chairwoman Dhurata Çupi.

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TIRANA, May  9 /ATA/- By Maela Marini/ Minister of State, also Albania’s Chief Negotiator for EU integration process, Majlinda Dhuka said on Tuesday that our identity is deeply European and the prospect of Albania becoming a member country is closer than ever.

In the event organized on the occasion of Europe Day, Dhuka said that today is the day of solidarity, rule of law, democracy, cultural diversity.

“Europe is here. The year 2022 was a very important and historic year for Albania. We opened accession negotiations to become EU members. Since July last year, we have worked intensively in the negotiation process. All institutions are highly committed to passing the first phase with the aim of expediting the EU integration of the country,” she said.

The chief negotiator said that we share the same values ​​with the EU.

According to her, “on various occasion the EU has delivered strong messages that integration is real and closer than ever.”

“Today, I would like to focus on young people. Albania is a young country, one of the greatest values ​​that Albania will bring to the European family. Young people are the source of energy. Albania has many attributes, cooking, handicrafts, art, entrepreneurial skills, innovation…etc”, she said.

Dhuka emphasized that, “Albania is working to create more opportunities for young people in the field of skills.”

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