The summit of the Central European Initiative (CEI) took place in Rome, Italy, presided by the Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte.
The summit, which brought together heads of government of the CEI member states, precedes the Donors’ Conference on Reconstruction following the 26 November earthquake and it represents another opportunity to promote and ensure participation and concrete commitments at this event.
At the end of the Summit, Prime Minister Edi Rama answered to the media interest:
-The today’s meeting was a great opportunity to ensure further support for the donors’ conference in the aftermath of Nov 26 earthquake. Prime Minister Conte pledged his support, saying Italy would be among the first countries to join the donors’ conference. How did other countries react, Mr. Prime Minister?
PM Edi Rama: We received an overall constant and positive reaction. Last night I had a meeting with the new EU’s Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Commissioner, who is personally committed, together with the European Commission President, to take forward plan on the donors’ conference. Meanwhile, after conveying the much deserved praises and thanks, which would actually never be enough compared to what many countries, including the participating countries in this summit, and underlining the need to ensure further support given the necessity to address a number of consequences which would have shaken up developed countries too, of course compared to the territory and population, the general reaction has been very positive.
–How long it would take for the country to return to normality following the donors’ conference?
PM Edi Rama: I believe we will work at the highest intensity possible and make a success of our vision, determination and ambition for Albania we want.
-Is it time to reach out to opposition again in order to be together on the path towards the country’s reconstruction?
PM Edi Rama: You already know I never comment on the opposition when on a visit abroad.
-Over the next two days, you will be holding the meeting with the President of Serbia and the Prime Minister of North Macedonia. What are your expectations?
PM Edi Rama: It is part of a process that has already started and will go on. The initiative is open and inclusive. It is nothing new, but what is new is a shared commitment and the goal is to implement what has been agreed upon several times, just to be neglected later. We will take the future in our hands together.
– How is the post-earthquake situation in Albania and what do you expect from the international donor’s conference, about which Prime Minister Conte affirms Italy will be in the front line?
PM Edi Rama: It is a dramatic situation as the earthquake damages were absolutely serious, but, on the other hand, there is a strong solidarity going on. Italy has been absolutely fantastic. Prime Minister Conte was the first to respond in the early hours of the day following the catastrophe and has expressed strong solidarity. I would like to take this opportunity to appreciate once again the extraordinary Italian firefighters who were incredible. I thought Italy was known around the world for the Renaissance and football, but there was much more to it. It’s like Renaissance and football at their best of times.
-What Albania needs in this situation?
PM Edi Rama: Needs this solidarity, this support because one cannot cope with these serious consequences alone.
-How much can Albania expect for the EU integration. Do you have a message for Europe?
PM Edi Rama: Albania is right here. It is waiting for thousands of years and it can still wait, but this is not the problem. What should be understood is that Europe needs Western Balkans just like the Western Balkans need Europe. Italy has grasped it, many other countries have understood it too, but not everyone. We can do nothing, but show patience!
-Do you have a message for Macron?
PM Edi Rama: Macron has an argument. I believe it is indispensable to be open and understand that he actually has a point. Because it’s not that he is not right when saying it doesn’t work with 27 or 28 members, imagine more, 34 member states. He is right. We should make it work, but what should be better understood is that the problem doesn’t lie neither in nor with the Balkans. The problem lies in with the way Europe works and we have nothing to do at this point, since we are not part of it.
-Do you think that the Croatian Presidency (of European Union) will be important for integration?
PM Edi Rama: The Croatian Presidency represents a society and a new state totally devoted to the future, Europeanism and it will certainly be helpful.
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Giuseppe Conte at CEI Summit: Contribute to the rebuilding fund, Italy will be at forefront
In his opening remarks at the summit of the Central European Initiative (CEI), the Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, who presided the event, issued the appeal of the friendly Italy for participation and concrete commitment to the Donors’ Conference on Reconstruction in the aftermath of the November 26 earthquake.
“It is a solidarity I invite you all to demonstrate towards the friendly Albania, most recently hit by the frequently and intense earthquake. Albania cannot and should not be left alone during these difficult times, following the November 26 earthquake that caused more than 50 victims, more than 900 injured and hundreds of homes damaged and thousands of people left homeless. Therefore, I call upon you to contribute to the Reconstruction Fund. This is something we also discussed at the last meeting of the European Commission, together with the new President Ursula von der Leyen. A donors’ conference will take place soon and Italy will be at the forefront of this initiative as well,” he said.
