Juncker tells Albanian PM the natural place of Albania is within the EU

jean claude juncker edi rama EU Albania Tirana
Jean-Claude Juncker and Albanian PM Edi Rama during their press conference in Tirana last night

Tirana, Feb 25 (Tirana Echo) – During his visit to Tirana, the President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker has confirmed to the Albanian Prime Minister that the country’s “natural place is within the European Union”.

Juncker made his comments during a press conference with Albanian PM Edi Rama, where he stayed away from giving exact dates of accession, but promised to help the small Balkan country to advance into opening formal talks for membership with the European Union.

However, referring to the 2025 date given to Serbia and Montenegro, Juncker said that “the 2025 date is open to all candidate countries”, hinting that both Albania and Macedonia could be given the green light to start membership talks within the next few months.

I encourage Albania to continue the reforms and we will be on your side during your efforts” – said Juncker who did not hide his satisfaction at Albania’s progress in its crucial reform of the highly corrupt judiciary system.

Albania has been under EU pressure to reform its judiciary, fight endemic corruption and strengthen the rule of law. The small Balkan country suffers from a high level of criminalization of its politics and its strong ties to organized crime and illegal trafficking.

Prime Minister Edi Rama said the vetting of judges and prosecutors is already underway, and showing its first results.“Seventeen senior judges and prosecutors refuse to be vetted, so they are out of the judiciary now.” said Rama, adding that Albania deserves “a full and clear recommendation from the European Commission and I hope the member states will respond positively and unanimously.

If these reforms go on, that will allow the European Commission to recommend the negotiations. We shouldn’t lose any more time. This is the time to rewrite history” – said Mr. Juncker.

After having visited Macedonia and Albania, Mr Juncker is expected to travel to Serbia tonight and to Montenegro on Tuesday and Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo on Wednesday. Mr. Juncker accompanied by EU Commissioner for Enlargement Johannes Hahn hopes to boost morale in what is seen as a faded enthusiasm over EU membership prospects across the region of South East Europe.

The visit comes weeks after the EU published its Western Balkans Strategy where it outlined the path for EU membership for all WB countries.

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