ABC News & Vizion+ / Gledis Gjipali: Joint Consultative Committee for the EU Integration, 19 September 2024

During an interview on “Tirana Live”- ABC News, and Vizion+, the Executive Director of EMA, Gledis Gjipali, commented on the conference held in Brussels between Prime Minister Edi Rama and the President of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), Oliver Röpke, where the establishment of a Joint Consultative Committee was announced. He articulated that the creation of such a Consultative Committee is a positive signal of rapprochement, particularly for countries aspiring to be integrated into the European Union. This initiative aims to facilitate participation in the European Parliament as an observer state, without voting rights, as well as in the Council of EU Ministers. This gradual membership is perceived as a counterbalance to the delays in the integration process, providing substantial support to countries that view EU membership as a distant prospect.
Furthermore, he highlighted the significance of Ursula von der Leyen’s meeting with European leaders, recognising her role as a supporter and initiator of the new Growth Plan. This initiative stems from the Recovery and Resilience Plans, designed to provide Western Balkan countries with such instruments without requiring full membership. Gjipali elaborated that this instrument is crucial for increased funding through projects and direct budgetary support, as well as for a more expedited assessment of reform progress, with a biannual evaluation of whether the indicators for the Growth Plan have been met. Albania has timely submitted its entire reform agenda, and since it is a package for all six countries, approval for all is anticipated. Regarding the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue, he noted that its stagnation adversely affects both countries, as they cannot advance in the membership process. This is a clear prerequisite, as the EU aims to avoid introducing bilateral issues that could complicate European matters. Therefore, all issues must be resolved prior to membership.

ABC News – Gledis Gjipali: Joint Consultative Committee for the EU Integration, 19 September 2024

Vizion+ / Gledis Gjipali: Joint Consultative Committee for the EU Integration, 19 September 2024