Irish Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence Thomas Byrne praised Albania’s progress on its European integration path, saying the country is entering a new phase of negotiations after agreeing to close three negotiation chapters.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Prime Minister Edi Rama and European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos following the 9th Albania–EU Intergovernmental Conference, Byrne described the day as important for both Albania and the European Union.
“Today is a truly important day for Albania, but also for the European Union. It is a ‘Super Tuesday’ with a great outcome,” Byrne said.
The Irish minister announced that the Council of the European Union agreed for Albania to close three negotiation chapters: Chapter 25 on Science and Research, Chapter 26 on Education and Culture, and Chapter 31 on Foreign Relations.
“Albania has clearly started closing negotiation chapters today. The Council has agreed that Albania is ready to close three chapters. Albania has demonstrated its commitment to the European Union and is entering a new phase of the accession process,” Byrne stated.
Byrne also praised Albania’s reform progress, noting that the country opened six negotiation clusters within one year and met interim benchmarks during Cyprus’ presidency of the EU Council.
“We appreciate your consistency and commitment, Prime Minister, not only in implementing reforms, especially in the rule of law, but also in judicial reform and the fight against corruption, which remain at the heart of the EU enlargement process,” he said.
He added that Ireland, during its EU Council presidency, will continue supporting Albania as it aligns its legislation with EU standards and advances accession negotiations.
“As the Irish presidency, we will support Albania in continuing to harmonize its legislation with the European acquis and move forward with the accession process,” Byrne said.
Concluding his remarks, Byrne highlighted the transformative impact of EU enlargement, saying it benefits both candidate countries and the European Union itself.
“The enlargement process is a transformative journey. Ireland knows better than many countries the benefits it brings to institutions, societies and economies, not only in candidate countries but across the entire European Union,” he said.
Byrne added that Ireland looks forward to continuing to support Albania’s EU membership bid in the coming months.
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