Dutch FM Koenders in Albania – Elections Through Dialogue – No Chance for Political Asylum

Tirana, Albania | Tirana Echo – Dutch Foreign Minister Bert Koenders has called for inclusive political dialogue in Albania before upcoming elections and promised there will be zero tolerance for those who wish to gain political asylum in the Netherlands.

During his visit in Tirana yesterday Koenders met with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, Minister of Foreign Affairs Ditmir Bushati and Parliament Speaker Ilir Meta as well as with leader of opposition Lulzim Basha. In addition he met with media representatives to talk on media freedom in the small Balkan country.

Discussions in Albania were focused on migration, European integration, forthcoming parliamentary elections and the current political crisis in the country.

The top Dutch diplomat extended a message of dialogue to Albania’s political parties currently locked in a political stalemate, pointing out that upcoming elections should be preceded by political dialogue among all political parties.

“Compromise and willingness of all stakeholders is necessary for fair and inclusive elections. Much is at stake in the relationship with Europe,” he said in contrast to the German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel who was in Tirana on the same day but held a tougher position, urging the opposition democrats to end their parliamentary boycott and participate at coming June general elections.

“No one in Germany or in Europe understand how only weeks ahead of upcoming general elections the opposition asks for a technical government. This is incomprehensible and the national interest of an opposition could not be chaos,” – said Gabriel who added that the parliamentary boycott of the opposition democrats is blocking justice reform and damages Albania’s reputation.

However, Koenders held a more diplomatic line, encouraging political dialogue and speaking openly about the challenge of holding ‘free and fair’ elections in Albania.

Talking about the asylum seeking phenomenon to the Netherlands, Koenders announced that his country will very soon launch an information campaign to explain to Albanians who wish to travel to the Netherlands and Europe, they have no chance of gaining political asylum. The announcement comes as huge numbers of Albanian citizens have traveled to the Netherlands claiming political asylum, with the hope of staying in the country for work.

“The goal is that Albanians decide not to make a disastrous trip to the Netherlands, and they are shown that there there is no future for asylum seekers from Albania.” – said Koenders, who also pointed out that both the Netherlands Belgium organize frequent charter flights from Europe to Albania for asylum seekers to return to their homeland.

When it comes to the region, Koenders stressed the importance of a stable Western Balkans to the EU.

“For Netherlands. Instability affects us directly. Think of the consequences in terms of migration, transnational crime and terrorism. Stability on the other hand brings opportunities for the Dutch business community. “

Dutch companies are more interested in investing in Albania, as this month was the first trade mission instead of Dutch textile and fashion companies. The accession process plays an important role in stabilizing the countries of the Western Balkans. This is due to the reforms in the field of law, economics and public administration, which should make countries ready for the EU before they can join.

Koenders traveled to Montenegro after Albania where he will meet with Foreign Minister Srdjan Darmanović and Minister for European Affairs Aleksandar Pejović to talk about speak Montenegro’s bid to join the EU.

Albania and Montenegro are potential members of the European Union’s progress, but in both countries there is still a long way to actually join the EU – this was the message from Dutch Foreign Minister Koenders during his visit to the Western Balkans.

“Albania and Montenegro have put good progress in their reform process. Therefore both countries deserve a compliment. At the same time these two countries have yet to overcome major hurdles,” Koenders noted.

“Albania will really have to work to carry out reforms in the field of public administration and the judiciary, fight against corruption and organized crime and protection of human rights. Otherwise Netherlands will not agree with the formal opening of accession negotiations. Montenegro is a leader in the accession process. In recent years the country has adopted many new laws to align the legislation with the EU regulations. Now it comes down to building up a track record. From paper to practice,” he said.

When it comes to enlargement of the European Union, “Netherlands will be strict and fair, that’s what I’m talking these days with Albania and Montenegro.” – underlined Koenders.

The visit of the Dutch foreign minister to Albania and Montenegro comes as Albania hopes to open accession talks for Eu membership by the end of this year and Montenegro expects to become a full member of NATO soon.

However, Eu member states suffer from EU enlargement fatigue and the appetite to welcome new countries to the club is running at an all time low.