Prime Minister Edi Rama held a meeting with the residents of Gjirokastër, where he focused on the economic and tourism developments in the area, emphasizing the importance of meeting the European Union standards for Albania’s integration process.

Rama stressed that this is a process requiring continuous effort and that it has contributed to changing international perceptions of Albania.

“The EU has a machinery that is the largest bureaucratic machine in the world, which monitors everything 24/7. They don’t make exceptions for pretty eyes or the Ionian Sea, because they want to know whether this new country we’re bringing in meets their standards,” said Rama, highlighting the importance of fulfilling the EU’s requirements.

He went on to recall that until about a decade ago, Albania held a weak position in international relations, mentioning that European leaders viewed the country with a sense of contempt and pity.

“We were a ridiculous country, with no position, no respect,” Rama added, underlining the significant change that has taken place in recent years.

The Prime Minister also emphasized that the state-building process in Albania is nearing completion and that EU membership is crucial for strengthening the Albanian state. “The moment the EU lets you in, you’ve become a state,” he concluded.