“Albania steps forward toward the EU” – Commissioner Marta Kos: Four countries at the forefront of integration! We are preparing a stronger Europe

Commissioner Marta Kos, in her speech today in Brussels (6 October), said that four countries are at the forefront of integration – Montenegro, Albania, Moldova and Ukraine.

She also underlined that Albania has already taken steps forward toward the European Union.

“We propose that new member states should not have concerns regarding bilateral clashes in the future. The impact of the enlargement of EU policies in most policy areas can be accommodated for enlargement. There are areas for which we need to cooperate for Ukraine. Ukraine’s membership must not have a negative effect on European farmers. We have identified four frontrunner states: Montenegro, Albania, Moldova and Ukraine. We have seen essential open paths for these states. They must maintain progress and advance in the next steps. This will give us the opportunity to have acceptance of the path of progress. There will be no shortcuts. But we hope that this communication will be the start of how to prepare for a stronger Europe”, she said.

The Commissioner also explained the facilitating procedures for enlargement and the gradual integration approved for these countries, including Albania.

“We, the European Commission, procedurally want to give the roadmaps for the most advanced states. We will prepare the next steps for the gradual enlargement of membership and will take forward a new approach that we will present at the end of October. We will apply the protection threshold for the first time with Montenegro. Enlargement today is possible, but there are spaces we need to address. We will take the ideas forward and act to make a stronger European Union”, she said.