Prime Minister [of Albania, Edi Rama], Commissioner [for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, Olivér Várhelyi],
I am very happy to welcome Prime Minister [of Albania, Edi] Rama here in Brussels for the 11th Stabilisation and Association Council with Albania that we have just held.
Before going into the details about this [Stabilisation and Association] Council, let me stress the following important messages.
First, Albania is a key partner of the European Union, a reliable security partner and in many respects a role model in the region.
Albania is now consistently 100% aligned with our European Union foreign policy decisions. In doing so, it sends a strong signal of your commitment to the European Union accession and serves as a positive example for the region. Because we cannot say the same thing for all the countries in the region.
On the other hand, the European Union is Albania’s strongest partner. And we will continue accompanying you on your European path.
We provided and are providing unprecedented support in tackling the consequences of the earthquake, the coronavirus pandemic or on green recovery.
Today’s Council was an opportunity to take stock of our relations and the implementation of the necessary reforms.
Talking about reforms, we commended Albania for its determination to advance with the reform agenda and for the results achieved so far – in particular in the area of the rule of law.
We want to encourage Albania to continue with this. Reforms are important in your European efforts but even more importantly, they are key for the modernisation of the country and for the benefit of your people.
We are in the context of upcoming parliamentary elections, and in this context, we stressed the need for all to ensure that candidate lists are comprised of people with integrity.
This is key to demonstrate the country’s commitment to fight corruption. And the fight against corruption is one of the key criteria in the accession process and essential for every functioning democracy.
Regarding elections, we have also a message to all political leaders and parties in Albania: European integration should be a shared national objective, which requires the commitment of all sides to constructive political dialogue.
Excessive polarisation is not a sign of democratic maturity; it does not serve the country because it hinders the progress and is definitely not in the interest of citizens.
Finally, we are looking forward to holding the first Inter-Governmental Conference as soon as possible after the approval of the Negotiating Framework, and in line with the conditions for holding the first IGC [Inter-Governmental Conference] as set out in the Council conclusions of March 2020, already one year ago.
Thank you for your attention.
Link to the video: https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/video/I-202650