The Albanian delegation, led by Prime Minister Edi Rama, has arrived in Brussels for the 8th Intergovernmental Conference between Albania and the European Union.
Speaking to the media, Rama described the meeting as a highly significant moment in Albania’s path toward EU membership.
“This is a very important moment on our road toward accession and one we have worked hard for over a long period of time. Half of the work for opening negotiations will now be completed, while the other half — closing them — will begin. It is important to understand that this is not a superficial union, but a real one, aimed at becoming a member with full rights,” Rama stated.
The Albanian Prime Minister emphasized that Albania, as one of the most pro-European countries in the region, is ready to continue advancing through reforms required for accession.
“This is not about easy membership, but about a real political union and a journey toward full membership rights together with the necessary reforms. Albania has been 100 percent aligned with the EU’s foreign policy. We are always ready to move forward without any illusion of temporary satisfaction,” he said.
Rama also highlighted that, according to public opinion barometers, Albania remains among the most pro-European countries in Europe.
The 8th Intergovernmental Conference between Albania and the EU is intended to confirm Albania’s fulfillment of interim benchmarks and establish the final conditions for Cluster 1 — Fundamentals — which includes chapters related to the judiciary and fundamental rights, justice, freedom and security, democratic institutions, public administration reform, economic criteria, public procurement, statistics, and financial control.
