Prime Minister Edi Rama said at a joint press conference in Brussels that Albania has made extraordinary steps, adding that by 2027, the group chapters will have been closed.
He emphasized that the time when the EU was "tough" with Albania made the country stronger, and that they have become stronger from this.
"Just a short time ago it seemed impossible and we were at the point where we were getting used to the setbacks and the punches in the stomach, but I believe that that journey made us stronger, more aware of the entire extraordinary nature of the process and more mature. Here we are today, with what was just a dream a little over a year ago, now transformed into a work plan, a reality that we will work with in our daily lives. Without formal words, I want to thank Marie and Marta from the bottom of my heart.
Marien for transforming the words of the Danish Presidency into deeds for enlargement by supporting and encouraging us to move forward and Marta who is championing the accession process of Albania and the Western Balkans. With a passion and strong will, which makes us all feel energized and in debt if we do not deliver on time. I am inspired by these months and by the strong support that the process of enlargement and reunification of Europe is receiving.
We will do everything in our power to move forward with the same intensity, discipline and hard work to deliver results so that this process that we are building stone by stone does not stop. Today, Albania emerges with pride from this first phase and with an even greater sense of responsibility. We do not represent a political party here, but an entire nation that supports the EU and EU membership like no other, more than 90% of our citizens. I am sure that those very few who are in this small percentage that remains, simply will not have had a good day when the survey was conducted, because it is difficult to think of any Albanian who thinks that EU membership is not the best idea and the horizon towards which we should aim for our children.
I would like to add that, the strong and gentle way we have faced has taught us: never take anything for granted in Brussels. When they smile at you, enjoy it but don't take it for granted. It can disappear from your face in the blink of an eye. Keep going, work hard and respond with humility and results. These two things are the things they value the most. I have said it with our mentor, the EC and the wise on the other hand, the member states are in good hands if we forget that it is the work of our hands that matters not for them but for us. For the Albanian people and the next generation", said Rama.