Mr. Prime Minister, did you receive any positive signal about a possible decision on Albania on June 6 during the last night meeting with Mr. Borell?

PM Edi Rama: We are all aware of the situation and reiterating what we have been constantly repeating is probably not worth it. However, I would repeat the fact that a very positive opinion exists about Albania, we expect another Progress Report and we are convinced it would be even a more positive one as many things have already happened and they are all in the right direction. Albania has a totally different image now in every respect. Albania is seen as a role model for the region, not only here, but in The Hague too, and this is totally clear.

However, yesterday’s talks focused on the socio-economic situation in the wake of the war and impact of this war and, for the sake of truth, if we were to share that discussion with the public in Albania, we would have really found out a much more troublesome and complex situation than the one we are going through, in terms of financial sustainability, in terms of continued funding for the economy, in terms of inflation and so on and so forth.

As for the other aspect, we are in a known position as we will wait for the French Presidency. The main issue is being posed by Bulgaria that has taken North Macedonia hostage and therefore Albania has also become hostage to a major impasse we have nothing to do with.

However, I think everyone clearly knows the situation cannot continue any longer. But we will immediately change course, as we have already stated and as the National Consultation findings suggest, should our country be denied the right to move to the next stage and formally sit at the table of accession negotiations.

 – Mr. Prime Minister, in addition to Serbia, we are now importing goods from North Macedonia too. Does this fact show that the Open Balkan initiative is working and what do you expect to happen with Montenegro? At a press conference a bit earlier you confirmed the invitation you have already forwarded to Montenegro’s new Albanian Prime Minister. What is the position this country will take regarding the Open Balkan initiative?

PM Edi Rama: Open Balkan initiative works and it will keep working increasingly better. We expect Montenegro to join the initiative now, so it is just a matter of time as I have repeatedly said, it is actually just a matter of time before all countries in the region join this initiative and it can’t be otherwise the case, but only cooperation and interaction. As such, it is just a waste of time for the countries still hesitating or refusing to join the initiative, but we can’t afford wasting time.

 -In a statement ahead of last night’s dinner, Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vučić told local media that Serbia would strongly respond if Kosovo moves forward with its application for membership with the Council of Europe.  What is Albania’s position regarding this issue? How would Albania vote?

PM Edi Rama: This is unquestionable. We are clear on that. Our position is unequivocal. We absolutely support Kosovo in every step and in everything linking Albania, Kosovo and the international community. In the meantime, we have a completely different approach when it comes to normalizing the relations gradually with Serbia, in terms of economic cooperation, in terms of freedom of movement, as well as the diplomatic battle for dialogue, because we believe this is the pathway and, on the other hand, we fully respect the choice of the legitimate and mandated relevant Kosovo authorities to pursue a completely different approach to this aspect. But when it comes to Kosovo efforts in the international arena, we support Kosovo 100%. Serbia has of course its right to think differently and we feel sorry for Serbia in this case, but we will support Kosovo!