EC Vice-President: Albania and Montenegro at an Advanced Stage Toward EU Membership

From Lecce, the European Commission’s vice-president, Rafaelle Fitto, noted that Albania and Montenegro are at the forefront of the enlargement process.

“There are cross-border programs through which we work in this direction. We have, for example, the Interreg program between Puglia, Albania and Montenegro, which was not chosen by chance, because Albania and Montenegro are undoubtedly at a very advanced stage in terms of the results achieved to soon join the European family.”

Fitto said that a Europe of 27 members is no longer enough, which is why enlargement is a necessary choice.

“We have 9 countries interested in the enlargement process, so it is clear that this process, in this case, becomes an essential and important element. Europe must measure itself at the global level. Its competitors are China and the United States in particular, and therefore enlargement is an element of consolidation and strengthening of the European project.”

In her speech, Ambassador Bitri said the government’s goal is EU membership in 2030 and that, according to her, it has the support of 90% of the population.