
The Prime Minister of Albania, Edi Rama, during his visit to Ireland, was invited by the Institute of International and European Affairs (IIEA) to speak to an audience of European and Balkan experts, as well as diplomats, on the topic "Albania's European Journey: From Aspirations to Integration".
In his speech, Rama emphasized that Albania is on the right path towards EU integration. Rama said that for Albania this is a pivotal moment and that the opportunity to become part of the EU is closer than ever.
"We are at a very defining moment in our history, as we see not only the horizon that has always been like this, but we also see an open door as a real opportunity to become part of this European family."
It is a climax that has not existed for a long time. It has become a climax where things that seemed impossible seem possible. I hope that we will seize this moment and we will be able to finally cross the border that has separated us from Europe, to finally become part of this family.
This is the situation, as I see it. A situation with a climax, where on our part we must do our utmost to meet the expectations of the other side. It takes 27 countries and there are countries like France, where the ratification of the accession treaty for new members must receive 2/3 of the votes in parliament or pass through a referendum.
"What is important is to successfully close the chapters and negotiations. Today we are on the right track, everything is going according to the rules and we also agree with the Commission on this," Rama said.
Meanwhile, the head of government added that Albania is confident of closing all group chapters within the next year.
"The end of 2027 is possible. Gradual integration is something that I myself have been fighting for for a long time, before such a thing took shape, not alone, but also with other colleagues. To give some meaning to the whole process, why countries should go through a merit-based process, but the gap in the meantime, in terms of finances, economy and integration, is getting bigger and bigger", said Rama.