"The Commission welcomes the application for EU membership presented by the Prime Minister of Albania, Mr Sali Berisha to the President of the European Council, Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek . Today, Albania has reached a historical milestone marking the country's important engagement to common European values and fundamentals.   It is for the Council to decide on the way ahead. The Commission stands ready to prepare an 'Opinion' about Albania's application, should the Council invite us to do so.   Read the entire statement