Opening negotiations with EU, Dutch Parliament Gives Green Light for Albania

The decision is set today at the Foreign Commission meeting in the Dutch parliament, while tomorrow it is expected to be confirmed by the plenary hearing.

The new Dutch Foreign Minister Singhrid Kaag has praised Albania's progress, underlining that this Balkan state has recently made progress with reforms on priority topics and in fighting organised crime and corruption.

The Netherlands government agrees that the first intergovernmental conference between Albania and the European Union will be held soon.

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Olta Xhacka held a meeting in Brussels with Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Co-operation Singhrid Kaag. Albania's top diplomat praised Holland's support in holding the first Intergovernmental Conference between Albania and the EU.

We hope the Dutch Parliament supports the government's stance. Safe that in the near future we will work together to expand relations between our countries“, said Minister Gacka, who is in Brussels as part of the Albanian delegation at the NATO summit, headed by Prime Minister Edi Rama.

The Dutch government several days ago voiced support for the opening of EU negotiations with Albania, stressing that the country has recently made progress with reforms for fighting organised crime, corruption, as well as in other areas, but the Dutch opposition's decision to open the road to the EU was needed.

Following this positive Dutch stance and statements by the countries' top diplomats, Germany, Austria or Italy, are hopeful that Albania will open the way at the June 22nd European Council meeting that will follow the Intergovernmental Conference.