Vizion+ / Ora News – Gjipali: If Albania does its “homework”, we will benefit, 14 October 2024

Gledis Gjipali, the Executive Director of the European Movement in Albania, discussed in an interview with Vizion+ and Ora News, the recent summit and the opening of negotiations with the EU for the first Cluster. He appreciated the fact that the leaders of the Western Balkans met and sat together at this summit, which is a positive development; however, many promised projects have faced delays in implementation. He explained that this process is necessary, as ten years ago the membership perspective was unclear and the countries in the region were not making progress, while the European Union did not prioritise enlargement.
Gjipali emphasised that the Berlin Process is a way to bring these countries closer and to make it clear that Europe supports them. The main EU countries that initiated this process continue to support it. Gjipali also highlighted the importance of Albania fulfilling its obligations to benefit during the integration process. Regarding the opening of negotiations, Gjipali explained that it is now possible to officially deliberate about the start of membership talks, stressing that the Albania-EU relationship will have a new dimension with ongoing monitoring and controls. He noted that the completion of the process depends on the EU’s willingness to accept Albania and that benefits will come even before membership, through funds and support for agriculture and businesses for instance. In conclusion, Gjipali also mentioned examples of Eastern European countries that have had varying paces in the integration process, leaving open the question of the path that Albania will choose.

Vizion+ / Gjipali: If Albania does its “homework”, we will benefit, 14 October 2024

Ora News – Gjipali: Albania, the third country to start the negotiation chapters, 14 October 2024

Report TV – Opening of Cluster I with the EU, 15 October 2024