"There is one thing Albanians do not argue about, that our country, Albania, belongs in the EU and that the future of our children must be built in the Union".
This is what Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama said at a joint press conference with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Today, Von der Leyen started her tour of the six Western Balkan countries, choosing Albania as her first stop.
Rama pointed out that "the start of the (EU accession) negotiations is a challenge which, by its arrival, makes the whole process really difficult".
"We are very determined to succeed. There are thousands of tasks. Tasks that have to be translated into laws, regulations, but also into evidence of implementation. Our negotiating team has shown in Brussels that it is at the right level," the prime minister stressed.
"The mission of the whole society, of all parties, it is to contribute to make this happen as soon as possible. Welcome to the most pro-European country in Europe, both inside and outside the EU. The EU fanatics are here in Albania," he added.
Von der Leyen and Rama are later expected to attend the opening ceremony of the College of Europe, an important milestone for academic and cultural cooperation between the EU and Albania.
On 24 October, Von der Leyen's programme will include an official meeting with the President of the Republic, Bajram Begay.
After the visit to Albania, Von der Leyen will travel to North Macedonia, where she will meet with Prime Minister Christian Mickoski and President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova.
Today, the European Commission approved the reform agendas for Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia.
"The agendas have been prepared by the governments of the Western Balkans, describing the main reforms to be made in the coming years," the European institution said in its official statement.
In their ambitious programmes, the five Western Balkan governments commit to socio-economic and fundamental reforms they will undertake to promote growth and convergence with the EU under the Growth Plan over the period 2024-2027.
According to the EC, this step was key to allow for the EU's €6 billion Reform and Growth Facility disbursements, which will be made once the approved steps have been completed.
"I am impressed by the work of our partners in the Western Balkans in their reform programmes. This shows that they are committed to the success of the Growth Plan. This is our guide to bring the economies of the Western Balkans closer to our own. And to give our companies the access and the means to compete in our single market", stressed Von der Leyen. | BGNES
