Gonzato: I believe we will close all the chapters of the EU-Albania negotiations this year

The Ambassador of the European Union delegation in Tirana, Silvio Gonzato, stated that Albania is at the heart of the EU membership process.

Gonzato participated in the proceedings of the diplomatic conference “Diplo 2025,” which gathered the Albanian diplomatic corps around the world.

Gonzato focused on Albania’s integration process, as earlier the Prime Minister of the country, Edi Rama, at the same conference asked the Albanian diplomatic representatives to focus their work on the objective of the country’s membership in the European Union.

“Being a representative of the EU here in Albania is a fantastic experience. I feel like part of this effort. The message I want to convey is true, real, and I tell this to the youth in Albania because they are the ones who remain disappointed and see their future outside of Albania. I tell them, this is the moment where the youth, who are the most creative, with the right skills needed by Albania, are the ones who can make the impossible happen for Albania to become a member state of the EU,” said Gonzato.

According to Gonzato, this moment is a unique opportunity for the EU.

“To actually understand that our model is being threatened within Europe has made us more aware, more than ever before, so that we can do the impossible for the entire continent that shares this project to have these common values. Becoming part of the EU does not mean becoming part of an economic project or a single market, but it is a political effort based on the values we share with each other. The verification of reality will happen even when Albania becomes a member,” Gonzato continued.

“For the first time in Europe, there is the risk of euroskepticism, not among those who do not believe in the project, but among those who are not doing the impossible for those ideals, values that the founders of the EU have had. It is not just about the enlargement of the EU, but about the completion of the EU. It cannot be denied that Albania belongs to the EU, Europe of course,” emphasized Ambassador Gonzato, adding that the country has advantages in terms of democracy, economic growth, but also in how Albania has contributed to strengthening foreign policy in various European forums.

According to Gonzato, having a population like that of Albania that is enthusiastic about integration into the EU is an indicator that citizens are moving at the same pace.

“The progress has been fantastic and Albania will become part of the EU. I believe we will close all the group chapters this year. There is hesitation and anxiety in some EU countries that see organized crime destabilizing their lives. Albania is hitting these international criminal networks and this is a clear and strong signal that we are dealing with a new Albania,” Gonzato stated. (September 9)