During his visit to Brussels on December 4, 2017, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ditmir Bushati met with First Vice-President of the European Commission, Frans Timmermans and Commissioner Avramopulos.

Minister Bushati made a detailed analysis of the reforms undertaken by the Albanian government to meet the five key priorities. He also praised the support that European Commission has given to Albania's European agenda. He underlined that, taking into consideration the progress made, the government expects 2018 to be a decisive year for the European path of Albania. In this framework, the opening of membership talks will consolidate the unstoppable engagement in the country's Europeanization and modernization.

During the two meetings, the representatives of the European Commission acknowledged Albania's ongoing commitment to the reform agenda.

At the meeting with First Vice-President, Timmermans, Minister Bushati highlighted that transformative justice reform is unique and is being implemented in close cooperation with partners. Vice president encouraged the continuation of the implementation of judicial reform, which is fundamental to strengthening the rule of law and advancing the integration process.

During the meeting with Commissioner Avramopoulos, Minister Bushati underlined that tangible results achieved in the fight against organized crime, particularly in the fight against cultivation and trafficking of cannabis, are the fruit of determination to strengthen the rule of law. He also stressed that the political will and commitment of the government to strengthen the rule of law, are steadfast and irreversible.

Commissioner Avramopoulos praised the measures taken in the fight against corruption and organized crime, particularly the very positive results achieved in the fight against cannabis cultivation.