-Mr. Prime Minister, you paid a working visit to Berlin, Germany, where you met the representatives of almost entire political spectrum here, starting with the leader of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) in the Bundestag, Rolf Mützenich, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, also Germany’s Green party co-leader. You also met with the leader of Christian Democratic Union (CDU), Friedrich Merz. What did you discuss about Albania’s EU integration process with all these representatives of German politics?
Prime Minister Edi Rama: This was an invitation of the Körber-Stiftung foundation and at the same time the interest of these parties to discuss in person the European integration process, specifically the next station of the EU integration journey in June and the conclusion of the French rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union, with the issue of opening formal membership negotiations with Albania and North Macedonia on the agenda. We certainly discussed the war in Ukraine, Albania’s position and the impact of war on the region, and of course further progress in this direction regarding our direct commitment as part of the UN Security Council and NATO.
– You had a working lunch with the CDU leader. The meeting was attended also by those known to be the strongest opponents and critics of Albania, Mr. Krichbaum and Mr. Wadephul. What did you share with them and which is their current attitude regarding EU integration of our country?
PM Edi Rama: I wouldn’t call and I have never called them as strongest opponents or critics of Albania. They are two political figures with a special influence within the CDU regarding the region because of their assignments and their positions and opinions have been related to a certain context and in a bid to do a lot more. They haven’t expressed opinions against Albania. They are both friends of Albania. The two are very dedicated to the Balkans and experts of the region’s issues. Therefore, it was a pleasure to attend the meeting and the working lunch we were offered. I very much hope they will visit the Balkans soon and visit Albania too.
-This day also coincides with the European Parliament’s vote on Albania; a total of 519 votes in favour of Albania. This has happened previously too, but since you are visiting one of the European capitals, Berlin, how would you read today’s EP vote regarding the future of EU integration?
PM Edi Rama: This has certainly happened previously, but like never before, none of MPs have voiced any hesitations in their remarks at parliament and this is, so to say, the fruit of a great work we have done. In the meantime, we have discussed with all of them the fact that we have decided to change the course as soon as the European Council won’t seemingly be able to break the wall imposed by Bulgaria on North Macedonia. Until then, we will maintain the right position, so the accession negotiations should open for both countries. If we will again remain hostage to a situation that has nothing to do with us and our work, a situation that has nothing to do with Albania, we will then change our course and insist that Albania is treated differently.
-The next weeks are decisive for Albania. President of the European Council Charles Michel will visit Tirana tomorrow. German Chancellor Scholz is also expected to visit Tirana. Are all these visits related to Albania’s EU integration or such visits will convey other messages?
PM Edi Rama: I see nothing decisive relative to this fact. This is a process we are already used to and we know how it works. It is decisive for Albania to keep delivering on reforms. Operations like the one carried out by SPAK and State Police today are decisive and today’s operation is actually the most significant with the broadest possible scope of the fight against organized crime.
