Angela Merkel supports Albania's EU candidacy

German Chancellor Angela Merkel expressed cautious support, on Tuesday, for Albania’s bid to win candidate country status in June. Yet no decision can be made ahead of the next European Commission report.

She has given a cautious thumbs-up to Albania's application to obtain EU candidate status.

“We treat countries on the EU path based on the reports coming from the European Commission”, Chancellor Merkel told a press conference in Berlin, held with Albanian Prime Minister - Edi Rama.

“In June, we will receive a new report where the Commission will have recorded the progress made, and will look at it with positivity and decide”, she added.

The EU Council of Ministers in December postponed a decision on granting Albania candidate status, seeking a longer track record in the fight against organized crime and corruption.

“Our country is part of Europe and will do everything, day after day, to merit the respect and place that Albanians aspire to”, Edi Rama said.

“Our government is determined to push forward with reforms that improve the life of Albanian citizens and guarantee a real fight against organized crime and corruption”, he added.