Majlinda Dhuka after the protests: Dialogue is the road to the European family

Albania’s chief negotiator for European Union integration, Majlinda Dhuka, has responded following the protests in the capital, stressing that the country’s orientation remains EU membership. She called on citizens to build bridges of cooperation through dialogue.

Dhuka said that Albania’s European identity is demonstrated every day and that the protests should serve as a moment of reflection on the country that citizens want to build.

According to her, European Albania must be a country where citizens’ voices are heard, institutions are respected and the rule of law stands above every other interest.

She stressed that European citizenship requires the courage to express one’s opinion, respect for the law and the strength not to allow differences to turn into divisions.

“The European Union is our destination, while the European Family is our belonging every day, including today.

The protests and the voice of the citizens invite us to reflect with the highest sense of responsibility on the European Albania we desire and are building with patriotism—a country where citizens’ voices are heard, institutions are respected and the rule of law is placed above every interest.

Being European means having the courage to speak, the wisdom to respect the law and the strength not to turn difference into distance between us.

Peace does not mean silence, and wisdom does not mean indifference. They represent the strength to defend European values, human dignity and Albania.

Albania is part of the European family through the aspiration of all Albanians, but also through the values by which it chooses to live every day.

Today, we are closer than ever to realizing the more-than-30-year-old European aspiration. This is a historic moment for everyone.

Together, please, let us build the bridges of DIALOGUE and every step toward the Family of Belonging, the European Union!” Majlinda Dhuka wrote.