TIRANA, Nov. 4 /ATA/ – Albania has received its highest-ever assessment in the European Commission’s annual progress report, Prime Minister Edi Rama said on Wednesday, describing the country’s prospects of joining the European Union as more realistic than ever.
Rama called the assessment another source of pride for Albania’s European aspirations and a further step towards its historic goal of EU membership.
“Another significant and encouraging report card from the European Commission. Another step forward towards our historic goal of joining Europe,” Rama said.
He acknowledged, however, that considerable work remained, while the tight timetable for accession negotiations left increasingly little time.
The assessment, he added, did not diminish the importance of the country’s ongoing domestic challenges, which he said remained a priority for himself, the government and the parliamentary majority.
“On the contrary, today’s positive assessment motivates us to do even more and do things even better,” Rama said.
He described the current moment as an optimal opportunity for Albania’s European integration.
“The EU’s door is open, and the prospect of joining is more realistic than ever. History would never forgive us if we allowed ourselves to drown in the dirty waters of divisions, resentment and jealousy that have repeatedly prevented Albania from reaching its full potential. Keep your heads high and move forward, Albania,” the prime minister said.
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