TIRANA, February 26 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania has entered a new chapter in the European integration process. He made the remarks at an extended meeting of the Socialist Party parliamentary group and the government cabinet at the Palace of Brigades.

He explained that the country has reached the stage of assessment and approval of the so-called interim benchmarks. According to the national negotiating team, this phase represents a highly demanding test and requires strong preparation.

Rama noted that other countries needed years to complete this stage. However, he said the government plans to pass the test within months. He added that this goal requires full concentration of all institutional capacities.

Despite political and media pressure, he expressed confidence that Albania will complete the phase successfully. He said the focus must remain on work and internal improvement.

Furthermore, Rama called for stronger discipline and communication of reforms. He urged officials to increase efforts, improve performance and strengthen self-correction.

He also invited members of parliament to hold open internal debates. However, he stressed that all discussions must serve a single objective: Albania’s membership in the European Union by 2030.

Finally, the Prime Minister described European Union membership as a historic moment for the country. He said accession represents not just another stage of development, but a defining chapter in Albania’s history.

/a.p./