sapc-meeting-Balla – Albanian  Telegraphic  Agency. https://en.ata.gov.al News Agency Wed, 18 Jun 2025 16:42:47 +0000 en-US hourly 1 Balla at SAPC meeting in Strasbourg: Albania committed to EU membership within the decade https://en.ata.gov.al/2025/06/18/balla-at-sapc-meeting-in-strasbourg-albania-committed-to-eu-membership-within-the-decade/ https://en.ata.gov.al/2025/06/18/balla-at-sapc-meeting-in-strasbourg-albania-committed-to-eu-membership-within-the-decade/#respond Wed, 18 Jun 2025 16:42:47 +0000 https://en.ata.gov.al/?p=267329 TIRANA, June 18 /ATA/ During the 19th meeting of the Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee, the Minister of State for Relations with Parliament, Taulant Balla, reaffirmed the Albanian government’s firm determination to move forward with EU accession negotiations, emphasizing that Albania is now more prepared than ever to join the European family.

Balla began his remarks with a quote from Jean Monnet, one of the founding fathers of the European Union: “We are not forming coalitions of states, we are uniting people.”

This vision, Balla stated, continues to guide Albania’s European journey.

Speaking on behalf of the government, Balla conveyed sincere appreciation for the European Parliament’s ongoing political support and its steadfast commitment to Albania.

“We welcome your recent motion for a resolution, which rightfully acknowledges Albania’s unwavering commitment to EU integration,” said Balla.

Highlighting the concrete progress made since October 2024, the minister noted that 24 out of 33 negotiation chapters have already been opened.

“We do not view reforms merely as a checklist of technical conditions, but as a moral and political obligation, first and foremost aimed at benefiting our citizens,” Balla emphasized.

According to him, Albanian citizens have overwhelmingly confirmed their support for the European path.

“Over 90% of Albanians, both within the country and in the diaspora, support EU membership. For Albanians, ‘the sun rises in the West,’ and the parliamentary elections on May 11, 2025, reaffirmed this pro-European orientation,” Balla stated.

Balla highlighted that the May 12 OSCE/ODIHR report praised Albania’s parliamentary elections as competitive, well-managed, and allowing candidates campaign freedom.
Balla also addressed the justice reform and the fight against corruption, stating, “On November 27, 2024, Albania completed the vetting process for 805 first-instance judges and prosecutors, an extraordinary achievement.”

Balla highlighted the strengthening of SPAK and the establishment of an Integrated Case Management System aimed at increasing transparency and efficiency in case handling.

“We aim to conclude accession negotiations by 2027 and secure full EU membership within this decade. These achievements reflect Albania’s unwavering political will to uphold the rule of law and meet the EU accession criteria,” Balla stated.

/m.q/j.p/sm/

]]> https://en.ata.gov.al/2025/06/18/balla-at-sapc-meeting-in-strasbourg-albania-committed-to-eu-membership-within-the-decade/feed/ 0