(VOVworld) - The European Union (EU) on Tuesday granted Albania candidate status, setting the Balkan country on the path EU membership.

EU Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Fule

EU Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Fule wrote on Twitter that the grant was an acknowledgement of Albania’s reform efforts. Early this month the European Commission recommended granting the status to Albania. According to the EC’s latest report, Albania has seen decisive achievements in structural reforms and the fight against corruption, organized crimes, and drug trafficking. Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama praised the EU’s decision, calling it a vital step in his country’s integration.