Oct 11, 2024 – Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban confirmed Hungary’s commitment to supporting Albania’s European Union (EU) integration during a joint press conference with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama. The meeting focused on Albania’s upcoming intergovernmental conference with the EU, scheduled for October 15, where important negotiation chapters are expected to be opened.
Orban stressed the importance of opening EU accession chapters for Albania and highlighted the need for ongoing support from Western Balkan countries. “Next week in Brussels, we will have the intergovernmental conference between the EU and Albania, and for this, I congratulate Prime Minister Rama and Albania,” he said. He added that Hungary has provided financial assistance to the region, emphasizing that benefits should be available even before full EU membership is achieved.
In his remarks, Orban recognized Albania’s key role in the region, stating, “Albania is not only a friendly country but also important for us because of its contributions across various sectors.”
Prime Minister Rama thanked Orban for Hungary’s support throughout Albania’s EU aspirations. He praised Hungary’s leadership in the EU Council and acknowledged the contributions of EU Commissioner Oliver Varhelyi, who has been crucial in Albania’s progress over the past five years.
Rama also pointed out the significance of public administration reforms for countries aiming to join the EU. He announced that two agreements were signed in Budapest, one focused on agriculture and the other on public administration. “Public administration is essential for all countries in the EU integration process,” he noted.
Additionally, Rama expressed hope for increasing Hungarian investment in Albania, stating, “The number of foreign direct investments coming from Hungary is impressive compared to countries of similar size.”
The meeting between the two leaders highlights Hungary’s strong partnership with Albania as the latter moves closer to EU membership, a journey marked by significant reforms and cooperation in various fields.
