June 27, 2014, marked an important step for Albania. On this day we managed to gain the status of candidate country, a big step for a “small” country like Albania. This decision encourages our country to continue with the existing reforms and to launch new reforms to prepare for the start of the upcoming negotiations.
Being a candidate country does not mean that the EU will automatically start accession negotiations, which are a special step in the EU integration process, for which progress on key priorities is required.
The Copenhagen criteria, set by the European Council, requires the candidate country to have:
- sustainable institutions that guarantee democracy, the rule of law, human rights, respect for and protection of minorities;
- a functional market economy, as well as the ability to withstand competitive pressure and market forces operating within the European Union;
- the ability to accomplish the obligations of membership, in particular the political, economic, and monetary union objectives.
By meeting these criteria we will be able to be a member state of the European Union.
Being part of the EU, a dream for almost every Albanian, will not continue to remain locked in a drawer, if we will fulfill the criteria to become a European Union member.
Youth play an important role in the development of a country. We can strengthen the foundations of our country, making them unique and sustainable.
Albania needs us who are on the road to the future, and together with it, to build, provide and enable the livelihood of all.
Full of suffering, sacrifice, lost blood, lost lives, endless tears, pain, and many other challenges, but now is the time for a change, because a blinding light full of life is giving us its hand. We just have to take a few steps forward and we will find ourselves where our neighbours are.
If we do not want our family members to suffer by immigrating in faraway just to make a living, if we want to move to other countries without encountering obstacles, if we want our school to be recognised in every country of our continent, offering us wide employment opportunities, if we want to live as safely and in better conditions as possible, the time to achieve this is right now.
The future is waiting for us, so let us be together towards achieving what we want because unity brings power and success.
