TIRANA, Sept 16 /ATA/-By Maela Marini/ Prime Minister Edi Rama stated on Tuesday from Brussels that the European Union is an empire of values, rights, and security, one that we want to be a part of. He also highlighted the fact that the Danish people are among the strongest supporters of our EU membership.
Prime Minister Rama held a joint press briefing today alongside Marie Bjerre, Denmark’s Minister for European Affairs — Denmark currently holding the EU rotating Presidency—and Marta Kos, European Commissioner for Enlargement, following the opening of four new chapters in the EU accession talks.
“I deeply appreciate the support and the commitment to honoring the promise that delivering results will be rewarded. Today, we opened another cluster—bringing the total to five clusters in just 11 months’ time. To the best of knowledge, this is unprecedented,” Rama said.
The Prime Minister highlighted their anticipation for the opening of the last cluster of chapters before the end of the year.
“I understand it’s a very ambitious goal, but it’s necessary, and with hope, we will accomplish it together,” he affirmed.
The opening of the four negotiation chapters today, according to Rama, “is not just about receiving a one-time reward, but about responsibilities that must be fulfilled every day.”
“We recognize that, for the first time in our history, we are freely choosing whom we wish to marry. Previously, we were bound by obligation to other empires, but now we seek to join an empire built on values, rights, and security. At last, our citizens can be confident that their rights and freedoms will be protected from any future threats,” he added.
Referring to the results of the enlargement barometer, Rama praised the fact that “the Danish people are among the strongest supporters of our EU membership.”
“Denmark has much to accomplish, and the minister here has a long list of tasks ahead, along with other duties to fulfill and votes to cast under the Danish Presidency. We were truly pleased to see the barometer results and realize that the Danish people stand firmly among the greatest supporters of our accession. Having the Vikings on our side gives us great confidence, and we need to spread this sentiment across Europe so that no one dares to block our path,” Rama added.
Rama emphasized that Albania now has a dedicated Minister for the Environment.
“This is also the result of some pressure from EU channels to establish such a position—certainly friendly pressure backed by sound arguments. We rely on Europe’s expertise, knowhow that has been accumulated leading by example,” Rama stated.
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