From Shkodra, the Ambassador of Italy in Albania, Fabricio Bucci, spoke in favour of the EU integration of Albania in the large European family. 

Ambassador Bucci was present in Shkodra during the activities that were held within the Italian week. In an interview with the media, he stated that Europe should look towards the Balkan countries, because without the Balkan countries there is no united Europe. 

Regarding the steps that Albania should follow, Ambassador Buçi said that the Albanian state has made progress in the required recommendations, and it is time for Albania to open negotiations with the EU. 

Italy is one of the countries that has supported Albania in the process of integration into the European Union and expects the opening of negotiations this year. 

Question: Do you think that Albania is ready for EU integration? 

Answer: I think so, as you know the Council of Europe has given the green light for the opening of negotiations. I hope that by the end of this year there will be a opening of negotiations. Because this war that has been going on for several months and has brought thousands of victims has given us a very good lesson. The world has changed since the war, today there are two worlds, one before February 24 and another after February 24. It is important for Europe to understand that we have a new reality, which we did not want, but we are living it and Europe must open negotiations with Albania as soon as possible in order to provide clarity for this area, for the Balkans. 

Question: What are the steps to be taken? 

Answer: When the negotiations start, some reforms must be accelerated, when the negotiations are opened, the way is opened for dialogue, for politics, for the European Commission and Albania. There are reforms in the judiciary, reforms against organized crime and a series of reforms that are open and Italy has been and will be on the side of Albania in any case.