On Europe Day, the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Igli Hasani emphasised that the integration process should be accelerated towards full membership in the European Union.

In the discussion panel organised by MEFA, attended by representatives of the accredited diplomatic body in Tirana, Minister Hasani said that the acceleration of EU integration makes the European family more complete and secure.

“Therefore, the key word for Europe today, but especially for us, is the acceleration of the integration process, not stagnation in the country, not turning back. This is the only way Europe will be more complete and safer against any challenge inside and outside the continent”, Minister Hasani emphasised.

The Minister of State and chief negotiator Majlinda Dhuka, the ambassador of the European Union in Tirana, Silvio Gonzato and the Slovenian ambassador Peter Japelj were also present on the panel.

Chief negotiator Dhuka expressed that Albania is currently working intensively on a growth reform agenda under the new growth plan of the European Union.

“Our next step is the serious preparation to be a member of the EU. Intermediate steps are progress with reforms. Albania is working to fulfil the membership criteria until 2030,” she said.

In his speech, the EU ambassador expressed that now the way is open for Albania to continue with the next steps of integration.

“We are different, but we are one. The door or more precisely the key that will open the doors between the EU and Albania, must also be the key that opens the doors of Albania and Serbia, Albania and Montenegro and so on because this is the logic”, he stressed.

Meanwhile, the Slovenian ambassador Japelj said that Albania is a small country like Slovenia, but with clear and big ideas for its future.

“How can Albania influence the region? We have good relations with the OSCE and the Security Council, so it is a very good example for Albania. I am happy that the European College will open its doors in Albania. It’s a good thing for Albania and also for the whole region”, emphasised among others Ambassador Japejl, whose country joined the EU 20 years ago.

The panel, moderated by Ardian Haçkaj, director of research at Tirana Connectivity Forum, followed a conversation with students of international relations and an exhibition by the photographer Roland Tasho, with photos of foreign ambassadors, dressed in traditional Albanian clothing from different regions.