TIRANA, June 3 – European Council President Antonio Costa praised Albania’s progress toward European Union membership during a joint press conference with Prime Minister Edi Rama in Tirana.
Costa congratulated Albania for its commitment to the accession process. He also acknowledged Rama’s role in advancing the country’s European agenda. Earlier, Albania completed the interim benchmarks for the first negotiation cluster, “Fundamentals”, marking another step forward in accession talks.
According to Costa, that achievement reflects the confidence of European Union member states in Albania’s reform efforts. He added that the process now enters a more demanding phase focused on implementation and measurable results.
Meanwhile, Costa stressed that reforms should not be viewed only as European Union requirements. He said Albania has chosen those reforms to strengthen democratic institutions and reinforce the rule of law.
In addition, he described the rule of law and an independent, accountable judiciary as essential foundations for membership. Costa encouraged Albania to intensify efforts against corruption and organised crime as the country advances in the accession process.
The European Council president also reaffirmed the European Union’s support for Albania and the Western Balkans. He said the bloc remains the region’s most reliable partner and continues to support Albania’s development through concrete projects.
Costa visited Tirana as part of his Western Balkans tour and held talks with Prime Minister Rama on European integration and regional cooperation.
/a.p./
The post European Council President Costa praises Albania’s European Union progress appeared first on RTSH English.
