On the day of the holding of the second Intergovernmental Conference with the EU, which opens the group-chapter “Fundamentals” at the negotiating table for membership in the European Union, Minister Igli Hasani said that “the deadline for membership is 2030”.

In a direct link to “Albania Live” on Top Channel, Minister Hasani said that the two reforms, justice and anti-corruption, are key for Albania’s EU membership.

Top Channel: Mr. Hasani, I don’t know if it’s a coincidence, but it’s good for you personally, that you happened to be in this post, on such an important day for Albania. Tell me, first, your personal feeling about the news, which is historic for our country.

Minister Hasani: This is a very important moment for all Albanians. For all of us, who are engaged and have been trying for years, to bring our country closer to the European family.

Today is the day where two important moments converge; the long effort of Albania to enter the European Union and of the countries of the European Union to accept Albania, with the fact that we have now opened chapter I group.

And we are part of the whole technical mechanism, which will make the country another part within the next four years (19:52)

Top Channel: Mr. Hasani, can you explain to Albanian citizens what the opening of the first group chapter is?

Minister Hasani: The group chapter of fundamental issues is opened, this is the first chapter to be opened and it will be the last to be closed. It is a group of obligations that are mainly related to human rights and the essential principles that make up the European Union, the European family and those values ​​that Albania is trying its best to align with and be a part of.

This effort and the fact that we are so close and the fact that this group of chapters was opened, the fact that this group of chapters will continue to be negotiated from the beginning of this process to the end.

That’s why I mentioned that this chapter group that was opened will be the last one, it raises to the maximum the need and attention of all actors and factors, to fulfill the obligations we have.

They are not obligations that pertain only to the government and state agencies, but they are obligations that pertain to the entire society.

I am convinced that all of us, together, should prepare ourselves as best as possible, so that we are always closer to that reality, which many generations of not only politicians and diplomats, but also engaged people have been trying to achieve for 34 years. they bring it to Albania.

The 34-year effort is now closer than ever.

We have to complete the things we have to do as best we can.

Top Channel: We have been humiliated 3 times, Prime Minister Rama said, but for us there is no other future. What is the most difficult task that Albania has in these 6 groups of chapters, not including only the one that was opened today. Do we have weak points and where do we need to improve?

Minister Hasani: There is a work plan agreed with the European Commission. There is a logic, which the Ministry for Euro and Foreign Affairs, the Chief Negotiator and the negotiating group have agreed with the European Commission.

It is an effort, let’s say, that we have a certificate to receive at the end of this process with as many grades as there are chapters to be completed, to be closed.

And we must do our best to achieve the necessary positive results.

This effort should focus us and not look back, move forward as quickly as possible in order to reach that objective, which the Prime Minister clearly expressed today, that the membership of the Republic of Albania in the European Union be before 2030 .

Top Channel: It is vendsour as a 2030 limit… it seems as if it is a concrete plan organized by the government, or even of the projects itself that the Socialist Party, where Edi Rama is the chairman, has decided: “Albania 2030”. Is this the main goal?

Minister Hasani: This is the main goal. It is the goal that we have openly announced and we will try our best to realize it.

It is not a goal that we have set ourselves without agreeing with the colleagues of the European Commission.

At the same time, it is also a logical exercise, which has to do with the fact that even in the previous accessions, from the beginning of the opening of the negotiations until their closure, there was a period of 4-5 years, which has filled all the necessary commitment.

Let’s not forget that the work so far has been the political commitment that has made possible the technical opening of the chapters. In the end, the technical work will be closed again, with a political commitment, again of the 27 member countries of the European Union, which will engage with us, so that the membership becomes as fast and as tangible as possible.

Top Channel: Journalists only look at the financial part, said Rama, but it is more about integration. What are the points where we should focus more, if it is not financial that journalists are looking at?

Minister Hasani: Reforms. It is a series of reforms that are not only related to the administration, but also to reforms in mentality. We are undertaking to take a giant step forward, to transform the Albanian society into a genuine European society. A genuine European society is not only one that feels European, but also one that behaves European.

I have the impression that we are very close.

We are dealing with a nation that has not only dreamed, all our families, all our people have dreamed of being part of the European Union for decades, but also the permanent commitment of our citizens is a real European commitment.

I know many people who cross the border and enter Albania and immediately feel a different rhythm and energy, a different passion, a completely European country in the Western Balkans.

Top Channel: Do you believe that ‘Justice’ is our delicate point?

Minister Hasani: Two major reforms, the government of the Republic of Albania has undertaken in recent years, the first is related to the reform in justice and the second, is what has just started and will have its fruits very soon, reforms for the fight against corruption.

These are movements that require not only great commitment and strengthening of capacities, but also a strong political focus.

I have the impression that such reforms are few in the European Union countries that have undertaken them.

As for the candidate countries, I still do not see any of them, apart from Albania, having done so.

Top Channel: Mr. Minister, today who is our main ally lobbying in our favor for Albania! Germany, France, Italy… Who would you single out?

Minister Hasani: Albania has 27 allies in this effort. Albania has 27 member countries of the European Union and allies in this effort.

Albania has allies in the European Commission, the USA and Great Britain, which are not part of the union, but dream and push forward to make our country’s membership possible as soon as possible.

In a structure, which is a structure of democratic values, rule of law values ​​and stable economic values ​​of the market.