16 years after the signing of the initial Stabilization-Association agreement, Albania opened today the negotiations for membership with the European Union.
At the first intergovernmental conference in Brussels, the head of government Edi Rama considered EU membership a primary issue for the country, while stating that the country will continue to meet the challenges.
The European Commission writes that the “historic moment” comes as a result of the reforms undertaken by the two countries, Albania and Northern Macedonia.
“Today, Albania and North Macedonia open membership negotiations with the EU. This is your success, the result of your hard work. You and your citizens have shown so much enduring commitment to our values. You have made countless reforms, not only because they were necessary on your way to the European Union, but above all because they are good for your countries.”
Jan Lipavský, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, said that he is happy that the historic moment of the opening of negotiations is happening during the Czech EU presidency.
In his speech at the press conference, the Czech minister reiterated that Albania must complete reforms in the areas of the rule of law and fight organized crime, in order to be closer to the EU.
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