European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised Albania’s progress toward European Union membership during a joint press conference with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, describing the country as one of the leading performers in the EU integration process.

Von der Leyen, who said she was pleased to return to Tirana, highlighted what she described as significant progress made by Albania over the past year.

“It is a great pleasure to be back in Tirana. My experience is that Albanians have Europe in their hearts,” von der Leyen said. “Albania is among the leading countries in our integration process.”

She said her annual visits to Albania had allowed her to follow the country’s progress closely, adding that the developments over the past year represented “very important progress.”

“This is very important progress, because it means that we see the world through the same eyes,” she said.

Von der Leyen also stressed that Albania’s eventual EU membership would benefit not only the country itself but the European Union as a whole.

“I want to convey to Albanian and European citizens the fact that Albania’s accession will not only make Albania stronger, but also the European Union,” she said.

At the same time, von der Leyen urged Albania to maintain its focus, stressing that further work remains before the country can complete its path toward EU membership.

“But continue with the focus, because there is still work to be done,” she said.