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"EU is far from strategy", Rama for ANSA: I am realistic! The 'Open Balkans' does not replace European integration

Politiko 2021-08-29 13:06:30

"EU is far from strategy", Rama for ANSA: I am realistic! The

"I am neither optimistic nor pessimistic, I am just realistic, which means I know, we all know it has nothing to do with us, but it has to do with them, the EU I mean." This was stated by Prime Minister Edi Rama in an interview with Italian media ANSA.it regarding the process of Albania's integration into the EU.

Rama stressed that Albania has done enough to get the status, but it is the internal problems of the European Union that are hindering the process.

"So, strangely enough, Albania should also wait for Bulgaria to lift its veto on Northern Macedonia. However, I think this war helps us understand that we need to push and push forward as much as we can. without imagining himself by never giving up following the dream of many generations to integrate part of Europe, whatever it takes ", Rama added.

According to him, both Albania and Northern Macedonia have met the criteria set by the EU. Rama paid special attention to Italy's support to Albania on the road to European integration.

"Our two countries have become like two boys waiting for Godot and the EU looks a lot like Samuel Beckett himself. Italy has been our loyal and vocal lawyer all the way. Renzi before, Gentiloni after him, Conte and especially Di Maio later could not be more committed to announcing that Albania deserves to start accession talks.But the EU is far from being strategic and very often the polls of the upcoming elections in one country or another are much more "more important than the goals for the future of the next generation of Europe," Rama stressed.

He described the "Open Balkans" initiative between Albania, northern Macedonia and Serbia as an impetus for European integration, not a substitute.

"The Open Balkans cannot be a substitute for EU integration. The Open Balkans is a new tool to move faster towards EU integration, implementing in our region the four freedoms of the European Union; free movement of people, goods, services and capitals. It is a project of peace and co-operation. "Only we are all small markets together we can be a very attractive common market", Rama told ANSA.

Rama has described the influence of Russia, China and Turkey in the Balkans as a 'myth' that does not affect the European affiliation of Albanians.

"This is more of a myth than a reality for Albania and Albanians. There is no potential impact that could change our European affiliation. Europe is a religion for us and beyond all limitations and disappointments we want to be fully part of it. "as a choice of our profession", added Prime Minister Ram.