European Parliament Representation Office for the Western Balkans, in Tirana

In Tirana, the Albanian capital, the opening of the European Parliament office for the Western Balkans is expected soon.

The Speaker of the Assembly of Albania, Elisa Spiropali, welcomed the EU ambassador, Silvio Gonzato, and the head of the European Parliament’s Office for the Western Balkans in Tirana, Tatiana Mrazikova, at the Assembly’s Presidency.

Spiropali described the office as “the antenna of the European Parliament for the Western Balkans” and stated that it is “a strong impetus for the integration and cooperation of the countries in the region, as well as for Albania’s leadership in these processes.”

The Representation Office will accelerate and support integration processes, as well as promote and strengthen the interaction and support of the European Parliament with the Assembly of Albania and the parliaments of the Western Balkan countries.

In April of this year, the Fourth Intergovernmental Conference was held in Luxembourg, EU-Albania, where another negotiation chapter for the Internal Market was opened.

Albania expects to open the last negotiation chapters within this year, aiming to be ready for membership by 2030.

The Albanian government, the Assembly, the justice system, and all Albanian institutions have reaffirmed their commitment to continue with European reforms to meet all membership criteria.

Support for the country’s integration into the EU has also been provided by the opposition in Albania, while according to the latest Eurobarometer, support for EU membership is high in Albania (91%). (September 4)