Marco Tarquinio, co-chair of the EU-Albania Parliamentary Stabilisation and Association Committee and head of the European Parliament delegation, praised Albania’s progress in European Union integration talks. He described the opening and closing of negotiating clusters as “spectacular.”

Speaking at the two-day committee meeting in Tirana, Tarquinio stressed that Albania must also implement reforms in practice. He said institutions and public officials must ensure that reforms produce results on the ground.

Meanwhile, Tarquinio referred to political debates between the governing majority and opposition. He said a calmer political climate would help the integration process move forward without obstacles.

Tarquinio said the European Parliament continues to cooperate with the Assembly of Albania on Albania’s path towards EU membership. He said technical assistance forms only one part of that cooperation. He also highlighted the political dimension and said Albania’s distinctive characteristics need greater protection and support.

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