Balla: Requesting opening of negotiations for Kosovo's EU membership

During his speech Balla indicated that Albania began this process in 2014, after Montenegro, Serbia and Northern Macedonia, and has now preceded neighbours.

I've been one of the participants since the beginning of this programme and can tell you today how much my country belongs, our path to the EU is more than a political ambition. It's a national mission and a historic necessity. It means getting out of the shadows of the past and being anchored in a future of peace, freedoms, and equal rights. This is the only plan we have, we don't have a plan B, it's the only plan for the present and the future. And we are ready, maybe next month after we win the May 11th election, our ambition remains clear and unchanged: to complete the technical negotiations by Christmas of 2027 and become full members within 2030,” declared Balla in the opening word.

Furthermore, Balla also called for the opening of negotiations on Kosovo, the ATSH reports.

We would like to have every country start negotiations. Also, Kosovo deserves to start negotiations as soon as possible as you can. And we very much want North Macedonia to start negotiations,” said Balla.

Minister Balla answered Croatian Eurodeput's rapporteur interest The EP for Serbia, Tonino Picaula, on relations with the US after the election of President Trump, claiming Albania is the most pro-European and pro-American country in Europe.

As far as Mr. Trump's question is concerned, as president of the United States. In Albania, if Albanians are asked for membership in the European Union, more than 90% are pro. I don't believe there are any other countries in Europe, including EU member states, which has such a high percentage of support for EU membership.

But we're also lucky because we're the most pro-American country in Europe. So, in my opinion, these two relate to each other. And Trump's victory as US president can also be seen as a great opportunity for Europe ʹ initially to think of stronger co-operation”, Balla said.

And secondly, you know Albert Einstein's expression: “In the midst of any difficulties, is there an option”? Let us look at this as an opportunity for Europe,” completed his word Minister Taulant Balla.

In the “panel supporting the EU Membership Preparations” of the work of the first day of this conference, Minister Balla stressed that Albania, as well as other participating countries today, as Willy Brandt, the visionary leader who dedicated his life to the Western reconciliation in Europe, wants to try the chance for more democracy.

He expressed pride in the significant progress we have achieved so far, including the opening of two negotiating groups./Periscopi/