14/11/2016 (Agence Europe) – On Tuesday 14 November Italian Minister for Foreign Affairs Paolo Gentiloni, asserted that there had been, ”consensus from all member states on the European Council being able to officially begin accession negotiations between Albania and the EU in December”. Arriving at the Foreign Affairs Council, the Minister explained that this was a “good sign of the vitality of Europe… at a time when it has to confirm its ability to attract and consolidate”. This Council was preceded by a “Friends of Albania” breakfast, organised on the initiative of Italy and Austria and attended by the Albanian Prime Minister, Edi Rama. In June 2014, Albania obtained its status of candidate country (see EUROPE 11110). Albania was asked to make progress in five areas in order to be able to begin accession negotiations (see EUROPE 11664). (CG)