Berlin | Tirana Echo – Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama has visited Berlin this week in another push for Germany’s support as the EU struggles to keep its leverage in the Balkans.
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama met with German Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs, Sigmar Gabriel, who evaluated integration reforms and guaranteed the continuation of a strong support of Albanian citizens’ aspiration to join the European Union, in Berlin, ATA reports.
During his latest visit in Berlin Rama met with Germany’s Foreign minister Sigmar Gabriel who confirmed that Germany wants “to advance Albania’s integration to the EU. The plan is already on the table. I would like to thank you for carrying out the reforms and to your personal commitment and attitude to defuse conflicts in the neighbouring countries.”
Rama expressed his gratitude to Gabriel “particularly on the fundamental judicial reform, where thanks to the support of Germany and the support of other partners, the process has advanced.”
The visit comes days after EU High Representative Federica Mogherini visited the Balkans and was widely criticized for her weak role in pushing further reforms across the region.
Miroslav Lajčák Minister of Foreign Affairs of Slovakia and a deep insider of the region, stated that he thinks “the High Representative returned from her Balkan trip frustrated,” and that “the EU is becoming less serious when it comes to enlargement … now we have two countries that are about to collapse, and three that are in deep political crisis.”
Rama who is facing a political crisis in his home country Albania with the opposition democrats protesting and demanding his resignation, hopes the visit can give him a positive momentum at home, as the crucial Vetting process of justice reform is at a standstill.
“We hope to meet the challenge, to start implementation of the reform through Vetting Judges and Prosecutors as required by the European Commission recommendation, to enable opening accession negotiations to EU. Once again, many thanks and be confident that Albania and the Albanian people is a very committed partner in this special relationship between Germany and Albania and the region as well,” said Prime Minister Rama.
Gabriel noted that Germany, clearly frustrated that the Balkans are not moving forward, expects tangible progress from Albania and understands that upcoming elections in June may play a role in the country’s stability.
“On the eve of the election process we know even in Germany, that the reforms are not simple, however most Albanians want further stability and progress,” said FM Gabriel.
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