EU Top Diplomat Mogherini calls for unity on justice reform in Albania from Washington DC

Washington DC (Tirana Echo) – The High Representative of the European Union Federica Mogherini hopes that Albanian politicians will show unity in the implementation of the crucial reform of the justice system, just as they showed during its voting in Parliament last July, confirming that that Western Balkans was part of her talks with US counterparts.

While in Washington DC, speaking at the Atlantic Council on Transatlantic Relations, the Chief of EU Foreign Policy said that the path of EU integration is open for Albania if the justice reform is implemented.

Answering to VOA questions on the Albanian justice reform, Mogherini said: “Naturally, what is important for us is that the same unity and determination are shown for its implementation and I believe that the country can find its strength in the institutions to do it, as I know how important this is for Albanian people. We all know that this is fundamental to move forward in the path of European integration“.

Referring to the conflictual and difficult political relations between parties in Albania, Mogherini said that a sense of national unity is now needed. “I know this is not the favorite sport of Albania, but I think that when we talk about the interest of citizens, this is a necessity” – said the EU top foreign policy official.

She said that a continuous engagement is needed in the region from the EU.

“You can have faith in my personal engagement and the EU leadership for the continuation of such attention and for passing on the message to Washington in order to remain focused on the Western Balkans in a constructive manner. I hope my message has been heard” – said Mogherini confirming that the Western Balkans was part of her talks with US counterpart Rex Tillerson.

While on official visit to Washington DC, the EU’s top diplomat, warned US President Donald Trump’s administration of meddling in European politics, saying the bloc’s relationship with Washington will be “transactional and pragmatic.”

“We do not interfere in US politics … and Europeans expect that America does not interfere in European politics,” Mogherini said after wrapping up meetings with US officials, including US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.

Federica Mogherini was appointed as High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy in November 2014 after serving for a few months as Italy’s Foreign minister, on Matteo Renzi’s left government.

Her home country Italy, one of the most corrupt old members of the European Union suffering from a justice system which has long been one of the most dysfunctional in Europe.

While on a visit to Tirana last year, Mogherini said that “both sides, (Eu and Albania) can and must open negotiations on an EU future for Albania. A success story for Albania is a success story for the EU,” – during a special speech at the Albanian Parliament.