European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker was received in Tirana, at a time when the government hopes to receive positive recommendations about opening EU accession negotiations.

The meeting between the two delegations was followed by a joint press conference, where Prime Minister Rama talked about the first results of the Justice Reform and the fight against crime, a strong reason why the EU should open the “green light” for Albania.

 “I want to repeat that I strongly believe that we deserve a full and clear recommendation and I believe that member states will positively respond to the vote on opening negotiations, as we have promptly discharged our duties. Now as we speak, there are 17 prosecutors and judges of the highest ranks, who have withdrawn from the Vetting process. This clearly indicates that the Vetting has given results as a powerful impetus towards achieving the objective for a new and independent justice system”,

Rama said.

European Commission President said that Albania will have Brussels support if it keeps the same pace with the reforms.

 “I did not come to make empty promises, it is very easy to say that the negotiations will be opened in this date, but this is not my purpose. I can only encourage Albania to continue the important reforms that have been undertaken in the fight against crime. Albania will have our support to get prepared for the EU accession”.  

But is Albania being unfavorably treated in the Western Balkans’ expansion strategy, in which 2025 is seen as possible date for Serbia and Montenegro’s EU accession?

We will act in such a way that the each country’s efforts are recognized by the EU. So it is not a moment to say that Albania is being unfavorably treated. We want to strongly support Albanian government’s great efforts.  

“It’s up to every country to do its utmost to get the EU accession. The best case scenario, we will enter along with Serbia, worst case scenario we will enter before Serbia. Let’s not forget that part of decision making process it’s not only the commission’s report but also member states governments, public opinion, their electorate, their political position. So the process it’s more complex. However, we are working with the member states.  We know which the most sensitive points are”,

Rama said.

But the integration towards EU for Juncker means also resolving the disagreements with neighboring countries. The maritime agreement with Greece is an issue he says the two countries will have to resolve.

 “I can only encourage Albania to end the territorial disputes, because it’s a test for Albania’s commitment to becoming an EU member as soon as possible. I want to encourage both Albania and Greece to reach an agreement and this is a plus element to accept the opening of negotiations when the time comes”,

Juncker said.

While Prime Minister Rama, asked about President Meta’s stance on the authorization to start negotiations with Greece, he said the President will not become an obstacle to the successful finalization of this process.

 “The president has not refused to grant the authorization, but has asked some written explanations regarding the request for this authorization. The clarifications are given to him. I am confident that the president will discharge his duties. The dispute with Greece will be successfully resolved and that will be another reason for our EU friends to rate Albania as a serious

country”./tvklan.al