On the eve of opening the final cluster of accession negotiations with the European Union, Albania has also opened the doors of its new Mission building to the EU in Brussels. The news was shared this morning on social media by Prime Minister Edi Rama, who also posted footage from the opening ceremony.
“Good morning, and with the ceremonial opening of the doors of the Mission of Albania to the European Union, on the eve of today’s opening of the last negotiation cluster, I wish you all a successful week,” Rama wrote.
The ceremony was attended by the European Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, who praised Albania’s progress and concrete results, stating that she feels like Albania’s “fourth ambassador” in Brussels.
“I feel—excuse me—as if I am the fourth ambassador of Albania here in Brussels. You are delivering results. And the reason is that you are not only speaking, you are acting. We see the work. I cannot express how happy I am when I can explain with facts that you have made truly remarkable progress, all thanks to your efforts.
I always like to emphasize that there is no accession process without dedicated leadership—leadership that does not return to the past seeking excuses for why something is impossible, but one that looks to the future to understand why something is possible. This is—and please don’t quote me—this is one of the biggest differences between Albania and several other Western Balkan countries. And dear Prime Minister, dear Edi, I am of course referring to you. I will conclude by saying: ‘This is your new home.’ My task is to bring you—Albania—home, to Europe,” Kos said.
For his part, Prime Minister Edi Rama highlighted the contrast between past realities and the current atmosphere in relations with the EU, noting that the environment today is positive and energetic.
“In the past, when we came here, it rained and it was cold outside, and it also rained and was cold inside. Today, it is different. Whatever the weather outside, inside it is warm and filled with positive energy, positive faces, and pleasant smiles. We are not used to this, Marta, so it is extraordinary to finally experience something that is constant throughout the year and is becoming permanent. I sincerely thank all of you for being here and thank every one of you wholeheartedly for your work,” Rama said during the ceremony.
Meanwhile, Albania’s Ambassador to the EU, Ferit Hoxha, emphasized that the country believes deeply in Europe and has a government fully committed to the integration process.
“It is very easy for me to defend Albania’s cause today because I represent a country and a society that has never lost faith in Europe—a government with unwavering political commitment to the EU and ready to use every second,” Hoxha stated.
