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OPINEWS

When we confuse Europe with the EU, and summits with reforms!

Politiko 2025-04-09 17:51:24

By Lutfi Dervishi

In a solemn act, the government has declared May 15 and 16 as holidays, not because we have a national holiday, nor a papal visit, but because the European Political Community (EPC) will meet in Tirana. A pompous title for three years now, like a tree that does not set berries!
The government, with its ardent love for theatrical gestures, decided to close state offices in Tirana, Kamëz, Vorë and Krujë. Law enforcement, doctors and firefighters are excluded from the holiday, as if it were a state of war. We are not at war, but someone must explain in every corner of the city what this European Political Community (EPC) is that is blocking our streets, television screens and… minds. It looks just like the famous Stability Plan 30 years ago, which disappeared without a trace.
EPC?
There are Europeans who ask this question, most have never even heard of it, while the most informed say that it is a mechanism to include the Balkan countries, but without introducing them into the EU. A French baby, a dizzying wisdom, but in itself, empty! Completely empty!
For those who say “Bravo” without the leader opening his mouth, this “Europe” that is coming to Tirana is neither the European Union, nor NATO, nor any alliance that brings funds, nor, nor, nor... The European Political Community is... a kind of “Eurovision without a song”, where leaders take selfies, talk about “common values and challenges” and... goodbye at the next summit.
But then why all this hysteria?
Because we are in the campaign. Here comes Europe. While the word “summit” is mentioned 35 times a day, we forget that we have 34 chapters to close.
Is Europe really coming here?
The previous EPC summit was held in Moldova! There were no days off there, Chișinău did not become "armored Tirana", and no one interrupted their working hours to see Ursula von der Leyen taking a walk with Maia Sandu. Wow, what a happy fate for us Albanians!
The EPC does not provide funds, does not open negotiations, does not set standards. It is a club that calls itself "political", but has as much practical effect as a Facebook post can have.
In short: Tirana is making a theater with Europe! We are lying to ourselves. No one can take it from us for this. We cannot easily deceive the European public, much less the officials. Because Europe, the real one, where only the Socialist Party can take us, is not impressed with summits that paralyze cities, but with countries that make reforms, not "show".
And, in this global climate of uncertainty, the fact that no one knows exactly what the European Political Community is... this is the most European thing that can happen.