Today, the EU Council has decided to open accession negotiations with the Republic of Albania.

This decision marks a milestone of crucial importance for Albania’s European path.

Today’s decision, although long overdue, is grounded on Albania’s substantial merits on five key priorities and it will further incite positive domestic reforms.

The Council’s decision is far more than trust bestowed upon our country, Albania. In fact, it comes with tremendous responsibility, that the Albanian Government will carry out by accomplishing timely and properly all requirements that come along with the EU accession process.

The Council’s decision is also a clear acknowledgement of the substantial progress in implementing the EU-related agenda.

We welcome the endorsement by the Council of the continuation of the enlargement process on the basis of the European Commission Communication on “Enhancing the accession process- A credible EU perspective for the Western Balkans”. This will make the process more credible, predictable and dynamic. Albania stands absolutely ready to meet all the requirements stemming from the accession negotiations in accordance with the new methodology.

We particularly welcome the mandate given to the European Commission to carry out and complete the process of analytical examination of the EU acquis, starting with the fundamentals cluster.

We would like to reassure the EU member states and institutions that Albania will be fully engaged in timely fulfilling all conditions required for the first Intergovernmental Conference.

The Council’s decision is more than an excellent message to Albania. In fact, it is also a positive signal for the whole region, indicating that the enlargement agenda is still functioning and the future of our region is in the EU.

We take this opportunity to extend our deep gratitude to all member states, the European Council, the European Commission, the European Parliament, the External Relations Service that made possible the attainment of this critical decision in Albania’s EU path.

Albania will continue its unwavering commitment in its reform agenda. Albania will play a constructive role in the region and will continue to align its activities with the EU Foreign and Security Policy.