At the opening of the EU – Western Balkans meeting on the Growth Plan, taking place in Skopje, North Macedonia, Prime Minister Edi Rama made the following remarks to the attending media:

Prime Minister Edi Rama:
Today we are here for another stop along our shared path, which is tied to the implementation of the new Growth Plan – a plan that is progressing as it should and is bringing us closer to deeper ties with the European Union. We are very proud because, so far, we have practically fulfilled all the required points for implementation, and we are continuing with the remaining ones according to the set timeline.

We have never been closer to fulfilling a centuries-old aspiration, I would say. On the other hand, I am pleased to see a generally positive atmosphere in this regard. We are very close. Never before have we been this close – and I truly believe that we will fulfill all our obligations, as foreseen in the deadlines agreed with the European Commission. The joint plan will be fully realized.

– Prime Minister Rama, what do you expect from the growth plan for Albania?

Prime Minister Edi Rama:
We have to deliver and they have to deliver. And so far, we are delivering, they are delivering, so it’s an extra tool that has to do with what has been called gradual integration. And it’s happening. And for Albania especially, it’s working very, very well.

– How do you assess the current situation in the Western Balkans, Mr. Rama?

Prime Minister Edi Rama:

I assess it very positively. Thank you!