ATA News

Spiropali: EU negotiation process will further strengthen rule of law

TIRANA, Nov 4 /ATA/ – By Maela Marini/ Parliament Speaker, Elisa Spiropali, described the integration into the European Union as the most important national strategic objective. 

During the opening ceremony of the 9th edition of the European Integration School, Spiropali stated that European integration is a top priority for the Assembly of Albania as well. 

For the Speaker of the Assembly, “Europe isn’t merely a solution; for us, it is the sole way we desire and require.” 

“Albanians have always chosen Europe whenever they have been free. No one knew or predicted that along this shared journey, each in their own destination, both Europe as a destination and Albania as a traveller would change. Our zigzags, internal conflicts in the struggle for power, ignorance, and democratic immaturity during the transition make our European path even more complicated and uphill. Although we can’t agree on a date in the calendar, we come together on one point: whether it’s the ordinary Albanian or a politician from any political side, you become an enemy if you speak against Europe,” said Spiropali. 

Spiropali highlighted that, despite the ongoing changes and conflicts arising from the current political landscape, Albania’s integration into Europe continues to be our national strategic goal. 

“The second intergovernmental conference on October 15, which opened the ‘Fundamentals” cluster, along with the progress report for 2024, are two milestones in this phase of the process,” she added. 

Spiropali emphasized that “we are aware that the negotiation process and further integration in the EU will further support democratization and strengthen the rule of law in Albania.” 

“It will also promote the consolidation of public institutions and the continuation of reform processes, accelerating economic development and aligning with the best European standards for welfare and social inclusion,” she said. 

According to Spiropali, the EU’s Growth Plan for the Western Balkans represents an extraordinary opportunity for Albania.