The European Union formally launched the primary set of chapters for Albania’s membership negotiations, marking a milestone for the Balkan nation.
This milestone adopted the second accession convention between the EU and Albania held in Luxembourg.
After the convention, Hungary’s Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto, whose nation at the moment holds the EU presidency, EU Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement Oliver Varhelyi, and Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama held a joint news convention.
“The fact that we have opened the first set of chapters with Albania is absolutely historic, considering that accession negotiations have been initiated to ensure Albania’s accession to the European Union as soon as possible,” stated Szijjarto.
Szijjarto highlighted Hungary’s robust assist for EU enlargement, emphasizing the necessity for brand new members to revitalize the bloc.
“We are aware that the EU has lost its competitive power, has lost its weight when it comes to global politics and the broader economy. Therefore, we understand that the EU needs freshness, new energy, a new momentum and to be a direct neighbor to the Western Balkans region,” stated Szijjarto.
Szijjarto additionally criticized sure member states for “looking for excuses” to delay enlargement, noting that Western Balkan international locations, together with Albania, have been ready for EU membership for over 15 years.
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama expressed his satisfaction with the choice, calling it a historic day for the Albanian individuals and for the EU.
“Today is undoubtedly an important day of historical importance for the Albanian people as well as the EU,” stated Rama.
He additionally mirrored on the impression of the warfare in Ukraine, which he stated “served as a wake-up call for Europe.”
“It reminded Europe that the illusion of self-sufficiency is just an illusion and showed in the harshest way that you need the Western Balkans as much as the Western Balkans need the EU,” stated Rama.
Albania made its official software for EU membership in 2009.
Following the Commission’s constructive opinion in October 2012, the Council determined to grant the nation “candidate status” in June 2014.
Albania’s EU accession negotiations formally started in July 2022.
The chapter cluster opened with Albania consists of the chapters on the judiciary and elementary rights, justice, freedom, and safety throughout the scope of the functioning of democratic establishments and public administration reform; and the chapters and standards on public procurement, statistics, and monetary management throughout the scope of financial standards.
Negotiations on these points will proceed till the tip of the accession negotiations, and the progress to be made in implementing Brussels’ calls for will decide the general tempo of the method.
Source: www.dailysabah.com