"EU integration, new political era"
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The first visit of Albania’s new Prime Minister in Brussels started in the European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Commission, where Edi Rama unfolded the government program, the relations with neighbors, the foreign policy and a new way of communication.

“I thank the former government and predecessors for their efforts and achievements in trying to get Albania closer to the European Union, but there is still work to do. I think that there is a new era in the Albanian politics, and our goal is to end the old political tradition. Our main priorities are the presentation and passing of necessary reforms in the rule of law, fight against corruption and organized crime”, Rama declared.

The European Parliament Members welcomed the constructive tone and encouraged the new Prime Minister to keep it up with tangible proves. The main questions and positions focused on multiparty cooperation, nationalism, good neighboring and fight against corruption.

“I think it is honest and right to thank the former government and I hope that the new government will bring a different dynamic on the European Union agenda. The June 23rd elections were very important, a test for Albania. I dare say that Albania has passed the test and hope that the future developments will show this through tangible proofs”, declared Eduard Kukan, head of the Balkan Delegation in the European Parliament.

“You showed wisdom in your speech today and I hope that you will keep working on the same way. Different from the recent nationalist tones of the former government, you are speaking with another tone and if you continue like this you will give another example. Don’t base your work on us, as it has happened on the past, because we are not your teacher, but you should do your job without asking us very frequently”, declared the German European Parliament Member, Doris Pack.

During the debate with the European Parliament Members, Minister Rama explained the most important reforms that are expected to be taken in cooperation with the opposition and civil society, such as the property issue and the relations with Kosovo, Macedonia, Greece and Turkey, promising to continue being constructive in the foreign policy with the motto: “Zero problems with the neighbors”.

Rama meets Schultz: We will realize the required reforms

EP President: Encouraged by new government

A few moments later Rama met with the European Parliament President, Mr.Martin Schultz, with whom he held a joint press release.

On his speech Schultz welcomed the priorities presented by Rama by saying that he is encouraged. He also accepted an invitation in Tirana.

“We are pleased with what we heard. It’s encouraging. With Mr.Rama we agreed to attend a visit in Albania. I thank him for the invitation and we will meet soon”, Schultz declared.

While Rama underlined that the new majority will realize the reforms so that Albania becomes a full member of the European Union, he added that the left government will also offer to the new opposition better conditions to realize the reforms together.

“I am pleased that I met with an old friend. I arrived in Brussels on the day when schools were open. We arrived in Brussels as people who have to finish their homework before becoming a full member of the European Union. I guaranteed President Schultz and the Foreign Commission of the European Parliament that we will make the necessary changes. We will give to the opposition what has been denied to us as an opposition, and we will complete the reforms in the fight against corruption and organized crime. Our mandate is to make changes”, Rama declared.

By answering to journalists about when Albania could receive the candidate status, Schultz declared:

“Commissioner Fule is working for the status issue. I agree to accelerate the process, but I can’t foresee if this will be done before the European Union elections”.