Athens, 04/04/2014 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 3 April, Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy Stefan Füle stated his conviction that Albania will be ready for the challenges of the accession process. At the end of June, European foreign affairs ministers are due to discuss granting Albania candidate country status for joining the EU.
“I am convinced that the country has the capacity to tackle its European integration challenges with determination”, Füle stated at the end of a meeting with Albania's Prime Minister Edi Rama.
While the commissioner hailed the “continued commitment” of Albania to reforms on boosting the Community acquis and measures to combat organised crime and corruption, he encouraged the country to consolidate and intensify the reform momentum, particularly as regards the rule of law. He called for solid and convincing results so that the Council might take its decision on whether or not to grant Albania candidate country status.
Füle also welcomed the position of the Albanian government for an inclusive approach involving the participation of political opposition parties. This is an attitude which, in Füle's view, will contribute to the long-term success of the reforms engaged upon. Füle reiterated that “all the country's vital energies”, including those of civil society, should be used to move forward the EU agenda.
The next high-level political dialogue meeting will take place in early June. (CG)