Thank you very much dear Edi, for your warm welcome to Tirana and for your hospitality. It’s always a pleasure for me to come here. And today I can only welcome and applaud Albania’s determination and efforts to become a member of the European Union – thanks in no small part, dear Edi, to your personal commitment to this process.
Last week’s Accession Conference confirmed your progress, as Albania has met the interim benchmarks on the first ‘fundamentals’ cluster. It is a clear recognition by the member states of Albania’s commitment to further advance on the path towards membership of the European Union. This marks the beginning of a demanding next phase in the process, focused on implementation and a solid track record.
As you often say, these reforms, more than European Union’s conditions, are your choice to build strong democratic institutions in Albania. Continued, tangible political commitment to the rule of law and in safeguarding an independent and accountable judiciary are essential foundations for EU membership. I encourage you to step up the efforts in fighting corruption and organised crime.
The European Union is the Western Balkans’, and Albania’s, most reliable partner, its main investor and trading partner. The European Union supports Albania’s prosperity and security through concrete projects and policies that benefit your citizens, for example:
- you have access to the Single Euro Payments Area;
- you are gradually integrating in the EU Single Market, the ‘Roam Like at Home’ and the DiscoverEU rail pass scheme.
But EU membership is about more than access to the Single Market. It means joining a political Union built on common values and shared strategic choices. The European Union has forged lasting peace and stability for its member states through resilient democratic institutions and strong economic bonds. Enlargement offers those same opportunities to our neighbours in Europe – like Albania.
But in this time of global geopolitical uncertainty and economic instability, more than an opportunity, enlargement is also a geostrategic necessity for Europe. It is an investment in the peace, stability and security of our continent.
For that reason, I am also looking forward to seeing you again very soon in the European Union-Western Balkans Summit this Friday in Tivat. The Summit will be a clear demonstration of our determination to bring forward our cooperation and build on the momentum of the European Union’s enlargement.
Dear Edi, you have a tradition of introducing me to modern Albanian literature. I have already read Lea Ypi’s books, and Ismail Kadaré’s work is on my summer reading list. I am grateful for these recommendations, as they help me better understand Albania’s perspective and serve as a reminder that we share a long and common history.
Today, we are not only reflecting on our shared history; we are also shaping a shared European future together.
Thank you.