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| David Sassoli |
Following his visit to North Macedonia in early November, Mr. Sassoli announced that will travel to Albania on February 3.
Before heading to Tirana, Sassoli said he intended to turn the frustration into new energy to move forward.
“I will go to Albania to encourage them and give them hope to move forward after some difficult months for the country. First, I want to reiterate my solidarity with Albania and its people after the devastating November earthquake. My condolences go out to all those who lost their loved ones. While money cannot undo suffering, it is necessary to rebuild homes and infrastructure. I have confidence in the generosity of the participants in the international donor conference organized by the EU and to be held in Brussels on February 17,” reads the statement of Sassoli.
“Secondly, I would like to reaffirm the full support of the European Parliament for the opening of negotiations with Albania and North Macedonia. Both countries have made great progress, in line with our expectations. The launch of negotiations can be a major impetus for the reforms being undertaken on the road to the EU. We will do our utmost to convince member countries that still had reservations at the last Council meeting," he further writes.
During his visit to Tirana, President Sassoli will deliver a speech at the Albanian Parliament. He will meet with Prime Minister Edi Rama, Parliament Speaker Gramoz Ruci, leaders of political groups, President Ilir Meta, Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj and Democratic Party leader Lulzim Basha, and representatives of the Socialist Movement for Integration. Klajda Gjosha. Sassoli will also meet with students from universities and representatives of Civil Society and UNICEF.
"The frustration with the Council's failure to open negotiations should translate into new energy and initiatives to look forward. I encourage Albania to focus on the overall objective and use this time to address any concerns that have been raised, especially regarding the respect for the rule of law and the fight against organized crime and corruption. After all, these reforms are for the benefit of your country and future generations. Even if the road is hampered from time to time, every step brings us closer to a common European future, which will enrich both Albania and the European Union,” Sassoli concluded.