The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, visited Tirana on Wednesday 23 October, as part of a wider trip lasting until the end of the week that will take her to the six countries of the Western Balkans.
This visit to Albania also marks the opening of ‘Cluster 1’ of the acquis of the European Union, an important step on the road to EU membership (see EUROPE 13504/1).
The President of the European Commission also addressed the issue of the reforms needed for Tirana to progress towards the EU, as set out in her agenda that forms part of the ‘Growth Plan for the Western Balkans’ (see other news).
At a press conference with the Albanian Prime Minister, Edi Rama, Ursula von der Leyen said she was “glad to see how much Albania has already achieved”, and declared that “if things continue in this direction”, then with “great optimism”, “we can hope to see the country open its final chapters by the end of next year”.
“I would particularly like to thank the European Commission, because without its determination, unfailing support and cooperation, and without the constant interactions between our teams, this day might never have come”, said Edi Rama.
Ursula von der Leyen is due to meet the Albanian President, Bajram Begaj, before travelling to North Macedonia and Bosnia-Herzegovina on Thursday 24 October. After that, she will visit Serbia on 26 October and Kosovo and Montenegro on 27 October. (Original version in French by Isalia Stieffatre)