Prime Minister Edi Rama addressed an auditorium of the students of Oxford University focusing on developments in the Balkans and perspective of this region in EU.

In his speech, Prime Minister Rama, analyzing the past of the region, presented the vision and approach of Albanian Government for a European future of the Balkans, not only in geographical terms, but also as part of its values.

“Europe is not a destination external to us. Europe should be and Europe is a destination within us. The first and most important reason why the Balkans need a strong EU and need to be part of it are the founding values of the EU and what they represent today.”, the Prime Minister said.

Describing European integration as a main pillar and top priority of the Albania’s foreign policy, the Prime Minister stressed that Albanian Government considers this process as an inner challenge to build these European values at home.

“We are committed to make all the required steps in order to obtain the candidate status. We will work hard, always keeping in mind that EU integration is not just a destination, but is a set of values and standards we need to first build at home” the Prime Minister said

Prime Minister Rama dedicated a part of his speech to Albania’s effort to achieve European standards and its commitment to take all necessary steps to become part of EU.

“This is related to our will to contribute to the success of a brilliant international project, a European Union that already contributes to the prosperity of millions that creates even more open societies and contributes to a more equal world”, he said.

Prime Minister Rama praised what Great Britain represents in the corpus of European values and underlined that Albanian Government considers its support in Albania’s European journey of great importance.

“I hope that as Albania continues this inner journey of progress and change in order to achieve EU integration, Great Britain will be with us; pushing us to the right direction”, the Prime Minister emphasized.

Convinced that European integration is the future of the Balkans, the Prime Minister stressed that the successful cooperation among region countries would be a key factor for the successful European integration.

“I am fully aware that we cannot be alone in this journey. I know that regional cooperation is a key factor in the integration process and, to ensure successful integration and contribute to the future of the EU, we are committed to work as hard as we can with all our neighbors” the Prime Minister said.

At the end of this speech, Prime Minister Rama conveyed the strong message of confidence that Albania and its next generations will not only benefit EU, but will also contribute in EU.

“We are sure that the EU will benefit Albania. And I can promise you that the next generation of Albania will benefit the EU”, PM Rama said.