**Albania’s Hoxha Praises Cypriot EU Council Presidency**
Nicosia, Cyprus – Albanian Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha commended Cyprus for its exemplary performance during its recent six-month presidency of the Council of the European Union. Hoxha's remarks were made during a meeting with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides in Nicosia on Thursday, where he specifically highlighted the contributions of Cypriot European Affairs Deputy Minister Marilena Raouna in advancing the EU enlargement process.
Hoxha described the efforts made by Cyprus as "truly admirable," particularly in handling the complexities associated with EU enlargement. "The issue of enlargement was handled exceptionally well, and we could not be more grateful. The Cyprus presidency passed the tests with great success in all areas," he stated. This recognition underscores the significance of Cyprus's role in fostering discussions and actions regarding the integration of prospective EU member states.
President Christodoulides reciprocated Hoxha's sentiments, emphasizing the mutual desire to strengthen bilateral relations between Cyprus and Albania. He reiterated Cyprus's commitment to supporting Albania's EU accession process, which has gained momentum in recent months.
In a related discussion, Raouna and Albanian chief negotiator Majlinda Dhuka had previously addressed Albania's ongoing reforms necessary for EU membership. Raouna noted that Albania is making steady progress on its reform path, which is essential for meeting the criteria set by the EU. She emphasized the importance of a merit-based approach to enlargement, stating, "EU enlargement is a goal which we continue to advance with determination and a results-oriented approach."
Albania's journey toward EU membership has been characterized as a priority by the European Union. In March, European Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos referred to Albania as a "frontrunner in the EU accession process." The country opened its final negotiation cluster for EU membership in November of the previous year, marking a significant milestone in its integration efforts. Kos acknowledged the substantial progress Albania has made, while also noting that significant work remains, particularly in establishing interim benchmarks related to the rule of law.
The Albanian leadership has set ambitious goals, aiming to conclude negotiations for EU membership by 2027 or 2028. This timeline reflects a commitment to fulfilling the necessary reforms and meeting the EU's expectations. Kos's statements in April reinforced this outlook, indicating that Albania is on a positive trajectory toward achieving its EU aspirations.
In a broader context, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic recently advocated for an accelerated integration process into the EU. They proposed a gradual incorporation of both countries into the European single market and the Schengen zone, albeit without immediate access to certain EU privileges such as representation in the European Parliament or veto rights at the European Council level. This proposal aligns with ongoing discussions regarding the concept of a "two-speed Europe," which seeks to address the varying levels of integration among EU member states.
The dialogue surrounding EU enlargement is particularly relevant given the extended period since the last accession. Croatia joined the EU in 2013, and since then, no new member states have entered the bloc, marking the longest hiatus in EU expansion since the early 1970s. This situation has prompted renewed calls for a more dynamic and inclusive approach to EU membership, particularly for countries in the Western Balkans.
Raouna has previously articulated the significance of EU enlargement, describing it as an "indispensable commitment" for the union. She asserted that the EU's evolution has often been driven by crises, leading to deeper integration among member states. This perspective highlights the ongoing relevance of enlargement discussions in shaping the future of the European Union.
As Cyprus concludes its presidency of the EU Council, the positive feedback from Albania underscores the collaborative spirit among member states and the shared commitment to advancing the EU's enlargement agenda. The ongoing dialogue and cooperation between Cyprus and Albania serve as a testament to the potential for strengthening ties within the EU framework, ultimately contributing to a more unified and integrated Europe.