ABC News – Real Story: Gjipali – Cluster 1 determines the pace of negotiations, 15 October 2024

Invited to Real Story, hosted by journalist Sokol Balla on ABC News, Gledis Gjipali stated that the convening of the Second Intergovernmental Conference is essential, as we have always experienced disappointments and fatigue regarding the start of negotiations with the EU. The final step is membership, but the process itself holds special significance, as all the reforms being undertaken in these years and the work of all the groups involved in the process will further increase, thus having a vital impact in the coming decades. Gjipali emphasized the importance of democratic institutions, noting that their significance is not only related to the institutional framework but also to their proper functioning, in order to ensure the rule of law stability, protect human rights, and serve as the foundation of a functional state. It is of no coincidence that this Cluster is called Fundamentals, as it provides the basis for continuing with the other clusters; if this cluster is blocked, then the other clusters consequently follow the same pace. Therefore, progress in this cluster affects the other clusters. Regarding Albania’s aspiration to be part of the EU by 2030, if it will be a tangible reality, he expressed that the Commissioner Varhelyi’s statement has a positive impact, but there was a response from Germany as well, which stated that we are not here to set dates, as there are still uncertainties in the process. In his remarks, Gjipali also mentioned the veto as one of the concerning elements for the continuity of the process.

ABC News – Real Story: Gjipali – Cluster 1 determines the pace of negotiations, 15 October 2024