The Commissioner of the European Union for Enlargement and Good Neighbourhood, Oliver Varhelyi paid a visit to Tirana. Both interlocuters focused on several issues, among which the opening of negotiations for Albania and North Macedonia. Varhelyi said that it is up to the Assembly of North Macedonia whether to accept it or not, while Prime Minister Rama announced that if the French proposal is not accepted, Albania will seek decoupling from North Macedonia as regards the integration process.

Prime Minister Rama said that Albania is waiting for the green light an hour earlier for integration, while adding that Albania will no longer wait for the long ordeal of Bulgaria-North Macedonia disputes, but will seek decoupling if the Macedonian Assembly does not accept the French proposal.

While the Commissioner for Enlargement, Oliver Varhelyi said that it is up to North Macedonia to decide, but expressed optimism that in the coming days there will be a positive decision to open the First Intergovernmental Conference.

“Let me encourage Albania to speed up work in the field of integration as well. Albania is ready to start negotiations with the First Intergovernmental Conference. I am hopeful that in the coming days we will have good news”, said Varhelyi.

Regarding the Vlora Bypass, Varhelyi said that Albania is being built for the next generation and that the interconnection of roads is very important for the development of the country and the economy.

/Klara Ruci/