European Union begins accession talks with Albania

The EU is in the process of accelerating its enlargement. (Source: AFP)

According to a VNA correspondent in Eastern Europe, the European Union (EU) on October 15 (Brussels time) opened the first chapter of accession negotiations with Albania, described as a "historic" moment in the country's journey towards EU membership.

Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto, whose country holds the rotating EU presidency, announced the decision at a joint press conference following the second intergovernmental conference between the EU and Albania.

Accelerating the EU enlargement process with the Western Balkan countries is a priority during Hungary's EU presidency, Mr. Szijjarto said.

Foreign Minister Szijjarto stressed the EU's need for new energy and dynamism that the Western Balkan countries, including Albania, are ready to provide.

"We must take urgent steps to protect the credibility of the enlargement policy... Accelerating the EU's enlargement into the Western Balkans is in the interest of Europe," the Hungarian foreign minister said.

European Commissioner for Enlargement Oliver Varhelyi called this a milestone in EU-Albanian relations. He reaffirmed the EU's commitment to supporting the integration of the Western Balkans, highlighting the adoption of a €6 billion financial package to facilitate the necessary reforms.

For his part, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama reaffirmed the country's commitment to EU membership, saying that "there is no other future and path" for Albania than joining the EU.

Source: https://baodaknong.vn/lien-minh-chau-au-bat-dau-tien-trinh-dam-phan-ket-nap-albania-231772.html