TIRANA – The EU Commissioner for the European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations, Johannes Hahn, on Friday voiced optimism that the European Commission will offer a positive assessment in its annual progress report on Albania.
In an interview with Deutsche Welle, the EU Commissioner for the European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations focused on key elements of Albania’s EU integration process and opening the accession negotiations.
“The Progress Report on Albania, due to be released next April, will be positive. No negative feedback has been given by any of the EU member states,” the EU Commissioner stated.
However – Hahn added – Albania should address the issue of asylum seekers in the EU countries as it hurts Albania’s reputation in the public opinion of the member states.
Likewise – he went on saying – “I also expect a positive report on the neighbouring countries involved in the integration processes, namely Macedonia and Montenegro.”
“Albania and other Western Balkan countries are on the right track,” Hahn added.
During a two-day visit to Tirana, EU Commissioner attended the EU-Western Balkans Media Days.
Asked by DW about the regional cooperation to address the challenges of guaranteeing freedom of expression and the media under the Berlin Process, Hahn underlined that the Berlin Process’ target is to promote regional cooperation and the process is an additional tool, element to encourage countries to work together.