German Minister from Tirana: Engagement for early launch of Albania's membership talks

“Under diplomatic relations, we work and co-operate in behalf of people in many sectors. We cooperate very much with people of civil society. We rejoice that we can rely on Albania as a reliable partner. The facilities have been set up for a confrontation with corruption and organised crime. Senior officials have been convicted, Vettingu is producing good results. Here are necessary both the government and the opposition, steps behind would clearly undermine the reform process”, the minister said.

She also said that the integration of Albania and the Western Balkans into the EU is a strategic decision, and the German government supports it unconditionally.

I want to make it clear that Albania and the Western Balkans, as well as the European Union perspective, for me personally and the federal government is of strategic importance. The Federal government strongly engages in a quick start for the start of membership talks, and this is not only in the interest of Albania and Northern Macedonia, but also in the EU's own interest and is important for stability in the region”, the minister said.

She stressed that regional initiatives should be comprehensive, and added that to life co-operation they initiated the Berlin Process.

The Western Balkans are important for Europe's future, so in 2014 the federal government brought the Berlin Process to life. The region remains a priority and for the new federal government, we welcome regional engagement among heads of state and understand their desire to make money in this process. But the course followed should have a co-operation with all six countries, and the process should be all inclusive and open to all”, Luhrmann said.

Finally, he communicated and the German Chancellor's message that they will be at Albania's side on the road towards EU membership.

Deputy Prime Minister Arben Ahmetaj has expressed regret at the delay in opening Albania's membership negotiations in the European Union.

The government's number 2 comments were made during the news conference with German Minister for Europe and Kliman Anna Luhrmann, who holds official visits to Tirana today.

“I changed with the minister that feeling and concern the Albanian government has for the formal delay in opening negotiations with Albania. I expressed my regret to the minister that we have already done all the homework. Today, there is no European Union member state to establish a problem with Albania, which prevents the formal opening of negotiations, yet although the Commission has been confirming that Albania has done its homework for three years, I still believe in the next six months we hope to have the formal opening of negotiations.

The entire government and Albanian administration confirm that we are ready to seize the right time immediately until we have the formal opening of negotiations. I asked the minister that the Western Balkans cannot be left as vacuum for the possibility of playing other actors.

The formal opening of negotiations gives a very strong signal to young people in the Western Balkans. The negotiation process is deep sectoral reforms, namely every sector in the country's life. These two elements make European integration strategic for Albania”, Deputy Prime Minister Ahmetaj said. /tvclean