Brussels – The European Union member states have recognized that the country is making significant progress in reforming the rule of law, stated Minister for European Affairs Orhan Murtezani to MIA following today’s EU General Affairs Council (GAC) meeting, which included discussions on the European Commission’s reports about the rule of law in candidate countries for 2025 membership.
– The report highlights several successfully implemented reforms, although it also points out areas where we must dedicate more effort to fulfill their proposals and recommendations. During the meeting, I stressed that we view these recommendations not as weaknesses but as guidelines that we should address promptly, Murtezani emphasized.
He reminded that this marks the second consecutive year that candidate countries, including ours, are part of the Rule of Law Mechanism, which was previously reserved for EU member states.
– Based on the support I observed from my colleagues from member states today, I believe the gradual integration process, or phasing-in process, will gain additional momentum. This is essential not only for monitoring reforms but also for overseeing and guiding their implementation, concluded Murtezani.
Regarding today’s sixth Intergovernmental Conference between Albania and the EU, during which four new chapters of the negotiation process were opened, Murtezani noted that the pace at which Tirana is opening chapters, with plans to close them soon, should further motivate us to initiate the cluster negotiation process as swiftly as possible.
– The momentum is present. We must not let it slip away, Murtezani added.
In response to a question about the realism of admitting new EU members by 2030, Murtezani indicated that following the onset of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and considering the commitment of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU leaders, that year is when the EU will aim to admit as many candidate countries as possible.
– Therefore, the 2030 timeline is very feasible for us if we can quickly initiate and conclude negotiations, after which we will await the final decision from member states, Murtezani stated to MIA from Brussels. (September 16, 2025)
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