The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, has assessed the first Intergovernmental Conference between the EU-Albania-North Macedonia as a “historical moment”. In a communication with the media, together with the Albanian Prime Minister, Edi Rama, of North Macedonia, Dimitar Kovačevski and of the Czech Republic, Petr Fiala, she has appreciated the work done by Albania and North Macedonia for the rapprochement with the EU, but and has also underlined the personal commitment of Rama and Kovacevski in this process.

“I have opened negotiations for EU accession and I am very happy. This is your success, that of your people, that you have worked so hard and shown commitment to our values. You implemented the rule of law, we have an active civil society and a free media.

You have made all these changes because they are good for your country. We as a Commission have supported you all the way and will continue to do so. After the Intergovernmental conference today, the commission will start work today and the review of the Acquis Communitaire will be the first step. The second point is that we will continue to be closer in key areas. Albania will join the European Civil Protection.  Albania will join the European civil protection, related to natural disasters. While with North Macedonia, the deployment of FRONTEX on the Macedonian borders will be discussed. All laws will be translated into the Macedonian language. There will be an increase in energy and transport investments. The citizens of your two countries deserve to be in the EU”, Ursula von der Leyen was quoted as saying.

/Klara Ruci/