In his speech at the opening of the ninth edition of the European Integration School, organized by the Assembly of Albania, the National Council for European Integration, in partnership with the Open Society Foundation for Albania (OSFA), the Delegation of the European Union, and the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Foundation, Gonzato said that the number of applicants has exceeded the available places in the school, demonstrating the strong interest in European integration in Albania.

“You represent various sectors of society, from public service at both central and local levels, and in fact, the local govt. level is becoming increasingly essential as we move towards EU membership, where the majority of policies and regulations from the EU’s acquis are implemented locally. Additionally, you represent non-profit organizations, the private sector, the academic world, and the media. But what unites you is that you all have the opportunity to actively contribute from your positions to Albania’s integration into the EU,” Gonzato addressed the participants in the European Integration School.

“As President of the European Commission, Ursula Von der Leyen stated two weeks ago during her visit to Albania with the recent opening of the ‘Fundamentals’ cluster as part of the membership process, the prospect of EU membership is now real and within reach,” said Gonzato.

Ambassador Gonzato also emphasized that the European Commission is ready to support Albania’s ambitious plans.

/j.p/sm/

“First of all,” he stated, “this is the first meeting after the European elections. So we have newly elected Members of the European Parliament visiting Albania for the first time. This is certainly something worth celebrating.”
“As President Tarquinio mentioned, the large number of Members of the European Parliament who have traveled to Albania for this meeting is, in itself, a testament to the interest that the European Parliament shows in Albania and the region. I am glad to see that MEPs are coming from many different countries and almost all political families represented in this parliament,” Gonzato said.
He emphasized that, “It is personally encouraging for me to see that all parliamentary groups in the Albanian Assembly are present here today and are working together to achieve the common goal of EU membership. A goal, I must say very sincerely, that does not belong to any one party, but is the ambition of the entire Albanian people.”
Gonzato emphasized that, from the EU’s perspective, this is a crucial moment in the relations between Albania and the EU.
He added that the opening of negotiations for the “Fundamentals” cluster is bringing the relationship between the parties into a new phase.

“It is a powerful message not only for Albania but also for the Western Balkans as a region and beyond, demonstrating how dynamic this process can be, thereby strengthening the credibility of the EU membership process,” Gonzato said.
“The visit to Tirana by President Von der Leyen last week, which kicked off her Western Balkans tour, was a further sign of the EU’s support for Albania and the region towards membership. President Von der Leyen rightly praised the achievements made by Albania in recent years, and as she emphasized, the opening of the first cluster is the result of many years of hard work, as well as a commitment to a common goal. Albania has demonstrated vision and patience in this regard. President Von der Leyen stressed that enlargement will remain a key priority in the term of the new Commission,” he emphasized.

“For Albania, she also set the ambitious goal of opening all clusters by the end of 2025. This is doable, but it absolutely requires significant effort,” Gonzato said.
“The relations between the EU and Albania are on a positive trajectory, and we must all capitalize on this moment. At the same time, progress in negotiations will require decisive advancement on the reforms related to the EU, with a consolidated step first in the area of ‘Fundamentals,'” he said.

“Therefore, there is no room for hesitation or delay. While we are in the substantive phase of negotiations, close monitoring by EU member states will significantly increase, and so will the oversight by the European Parliament. I have no doubt about that,” he said.
“Albania needs to build upon and consolidate the justice reform from 2016. Efforts to establish a strong track record in the fight against high-level corruption and organized crime must be intensified alongside strengthening preventive policies, focusing on more vulnerable sectors such as public procurement, healthcare, and property rights,” Gonzato added.

“Albania must focus on advancing the rule of law and addressing the gaps in the system. It is crucial to avoid any setbacks in this area. The freedom and pluralism of the media, the rights of individuals from ethnic minorities, and property rights are also vital issues within the ‘Fundamentals’ cluster that require utmost attention and action from Albania,” Gonzato stated.

“Open and constructive debate in the Assembly paves the way for more democratic participation, where civil society and other actors can also engage actively,” he said.

He recalled that, in line with the negotiating framework, the Albanian government approved the roadmap for the functioning of democratic institutions in close collaboration with the parliament at the beginning of October.

“The roadmap outlines the reforms and key measures needed to improve Albania’s electoral process, enhance transparency and accountability in parliament, and create a more enabling environment for civil society,” he said.

/j.p/sm/