TIRANA, Albania — Germany’s foreign minister on Wednesday called on Albania to work hard on its reforms so as to convince all European Union members to launch membership negotiations next year. Heiko Maas, visiting Albania’s capital, said that the EU members have made it clear that the target of June 2019 does not mean talks will automatically start then. In June this year the bloc’s member states agreed to open membership talks with Albania and Macedonia next year if the two nations continue with reform progress. “The criteria are clear: there should be steps taken for other results on reforms to convince the skeptics in that process,” Maas said at a news conference. But it will be worth it for everyone at the end of the day and the prospects of membership are nearer than ever.

Source: National Post September 19, 2018 10:00 UTC