EU expresses support for Albania accession

By Talha Ozturk

BELGRADE, Serbia (AA) - Outgoing European Council President Donald Tusk on Tuesday emphasized that Albania’s accession to the EU is in the best interest of the whole of Europe.

"I have always thought that the EU should open accession talks with both Albania and North Macedonia, in line with the positive recommendations from the Commission," he said.

"I have not changed my mind. Your country must be treated with equal respect and on its own merits, just like all other countries in the region that share your goal of becoming EU members one day..." Tusk said after meeting with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama in Tirana.

Tusk said that the integration of all the Balkans in the EU is in the best interests of all of Europe.

"There will be no stable and secure Europe without the integration of the entire Balkans into the EU," Tusk said.

Earlier Tusk met North Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev in the country's capital Skopje where he reiterated his strong support for the accession of North Macedonia to the bloc.

In June, the EU Council welcomed the historic Agreement and took good note of the EU Commission's recommendation to open accession negotiations with North Macedonia, and also Albania.