Poland backs Albania’s EU bid

The foreign ministers of Poland and Albania met in Warsaw on Monday to discuss the EU accession prospects of the Western Balkans.

Poland's Foreign Minister Jacek Czaputowicz (right) and his Albanian counterpart Gent Cakaj (left) give a news conference in Warsaw on Monday.

Photo: PAP/Piotr Nowak

Warsaw has been championing the idea of prompt EU integration of the region and urging accession talks with Albania and North Macedonia.

“Poland 🇵🇱 fully supports the European perspective of the #WesternBalkans and stands for a quick launching of accession negotiations with Albania and North Macedonia,” said FM #Czaputowicz during today’s meeting with Albanian 🇦🇱 FM @CakajGent.

▶️https://t.co/8tT8pTv8gw pic.twitter.com/TtRf86lbIf

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs 🇵🇱 (@PolandMFA) September 9, 2019

“We appreciate the intensive reform efforts of the Albanian authorities,” said Polish Foreign Minister Jacek Czaputowicz.

He added: “We believe that EU negotiations should be launched with two countries, Albania and North Macedonia. Neither should be left on the sidelines of the process.”

Michał Owczarek reports.