TIRANA, Nov 5 /ATA/ – Albania could become a member of the European Union by 2029, but achieving that goal will require substantial efforts and faster progress in implementing reforms, EU Ambassador to Albania Sofia Moreira de Sousa said on Thursday.
Speaking at a joint news conference with Prime Minister Edi Rama, where she formally presented the European Commission’s progress report on Albania, De Sousa was asked whether 2029 could be the year the country joins the bloc.
“It is possible, but it is a very challenging task that requires considerable effort and hard work,” she said.
“The final stretch requires an extra push. This is not just about passing legislation, but also about implementing reforms and engaging in discussions with Albanian society as a whole to explain what these reforms entail. As you know, we do not have much time,” De Sousa said.
She said Albania had so far demonstrated its ability to meet challenges and deliver on its commitments, adding that she had no reason to doubt its capacity to do so.
“We have a set timetable, and everything will depend on the pace and the way reforms are adopted and implemented. It is important for this to be an objective shared by all Albanian citizens and, as such, for everyone to be part of the process,” she said.
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