19 July 2022 President Meta wholeheartedly welcomes the European Union’s strategic decision to start membership negotiations with Albania and North Macedonia
I heartily welcome the European Union’s strategic decision to start membership negotiations with Albania and North Macedonia.
Today, although a very late day, is still a great day for Albania, taking a step forward on our European path. This is a milestone placed jointly by Albanians and our European friends.
Today is also a great day for our region, which continues to enjoy European support. This is a clear signal that the European perspective of the region is alive and the only alternative for peace, security and stability.
Today is a decisive day for the future, a day when we have to face reality as it is.
The truth is that we have wasted a lot of time.
The document approved by the European Union is the complete overview that reveals all the flaws, fluctuations, disorientations and undone or badly done work.
The negotiating framework contains both the conditions of the Bundestag, the concerns of the Netherlands, and the remarks of France, and all those concerns expressed in the last resolution of the European Parliament.
The complete transformation of a country requires will, it requires effort, it requires continuous work.
I call on all Albanian citizens not to fall prey to campaigns that want to discourage us and undermine our European path.
Albania’s membership in the European Union is a process that is worth every effort and sacrifice, because it is the only way that guarantees that our common home will have the peace, security and prosperity that unfortunately our fellow citizens are still looking for in Germany, France, Italy, Great Britain and other countries.
I also call on all institutions, without exception, to reflect without delay on the urgent tasks that this process requires. It is in our hand and only in our hand that 5 or 30 more years will pass until full membership.
Congratulations to all Albanian citizens and gratitude to all friends that today we have more and closer than yesterday.