President of the Republic, Ilir Meta, received today the Commissioner for Neighborhood Policy and Membership Negotiations, Johannes Hahn.
President welcomed the development of the EU-Western Balkans Media Days, which is being held in Tirana, joining Commissioner Hahn’s message that freedom of speech is a fundamental and stimulating force for democratic transformation.
In a media announcement , Meta said that Albania considers EU membership a national strategic project that deserves all the institutional and civic engagement to meet the 5 priorities, the implementation of which will bring the opening of membership negotiations.
The president considered that the uncompromising fight against organized crime and the implementation of justice reform should recognize quick and quality steps ahead, not only in view of the decision to open membership negotiations but also in a long-term plan to strengthen the rule of law in the country.
Appreciating the EU and US large investment in justice reform, Meta said in the announcement that the vital importance of its inherent implementation was noted. He called for the special attention of EURALIUS experts who assist in this process for the correct interpretation of legislation in the interest of the faster and more reliable creation of new justice institutions.
President Meta and Commissioner Hahn also discussed developments in the region, highlighting the importance of the EU’s increased commitment to accelerating the democratization and integration processes of all Western Balkan countries. Meta stressed the vital importance of Macedonia’s membership in NATO, with the conviction that it will generate more security for the entire region, as well as the necessity of rapid visa liberalization for Kosovo./tvklan.al
