German president Frank-Walter Steinmeier (Photo: print screen/youtube/PBS NewsHour)
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier welcomed Albania's pro-European stance on Dec. 1 and urged its authorities to continue with reform steps on the path to EU membership.
Steinmeier is visiting Albania to meet with top officials and discuss the EU membership negotiations and the situation in the Western Balkans. "I urge you to continue working in the fight against all obstacles, in tackling corruption and organized crime, to continue the reform of the judiciary, while the opposition and the government should work towards the common goal of EU membership and put political battles aside," Steinmeier stated in his address of the parliament.
Albania and the neighboring North Macedonia, which Steinmeier visited earlier this week, started their EU membership negotiations in July, which is a process that is expected to take years.
Steinmeier stated that regional cooperation was the best way towards a quicker integration into the European Union. "Be persistent and continue on that path until it ends successfully with EU membership. Your hearts beat for Europe. Live in the European way and we will help you overcome the obstacles on the path to the EU," he stated.
To get full access to all content of interest see our
Subscription offer
Or
Register for free
And read up to 5 articles each month.
Already have an account? Please Log in.