On 05 December 2019, in Brussels took place the preparatory meeting of the Stabilization and Association Committee meeting between Albania and the European Union. The meeting was chaired by the Co-Chair of the Delegation EU-Albania Stabilization and Association Committee, Mr. Manolis Kefalogiannis.
Albania was represented by the Ambassador of the Republic of Albania to the European Union, Suela Janina. The meeting was also attended by the Deputy Head of Unit for Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina Unit, DG Neighborhood and Enlargement Negotiations, European Commission, Georg Ziegler and the Head of Division 'Western Balkans' in the European External Action Service, Ms. Elsa Fennet.
The meeting was an opportunity to exchange views on the political and economic situation in Albania and on its relations with the EU.
Ambassador Janina expressed gratitude for the support, assistance and solidarity shown by the EU in these difficult days for Albania and Albanians following the devastating earthquake.
Regarding Albania's European path, the Commission stressed that the “non-decision” by EU leaders was a strategic mistake and the European perspective for the region remains unchanged. The opening of accession negotiation and the discussions on the EU enlargement structure can go in parallel. The enlargement issue should be discussed immediately before the Zagreb Summit on May 2020.
The Delegation to the EU-Albania Stabilization and Association Parliamentary Committee (SAPC) welcomed the achievements of reforms undertaken by Albania in all areas, including justice reform, and stressed the importance of further consolidating these reforms.