Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has stated he is not worried whether his country will be able to start EU accession talks in June because his government has done all the homework and the matter now depends on the European Union.
In a joint press statement on Thursday with German Minister for Europe Michael Roth, the two officials stressed the need for the EU to recognize Albania’s achievements by starting talks as soon as possible.
“If the door does not open, I will absolutely not be worried like I was when it didn’t open the first and second time,” Rama stated, adding that his government is implementing reforms for the same of Albania and not that of Brussels.
The EU leader have refused twice to open talks with Albania, despite repeated positive recommendations by the European Commission. In March 2020, they agreed on a political decision to open talks but put several conditions for Albania to meet before it actually sits in talks. The Albanian government and the European Commission say all conditions are now met but the final decision is up to each individual EU member state.
Roth highlighted Germany’s full support for both countries to start talks in June, following the EU leaders summit on June 22.
Asked whether the EU could decouple Albania from North Macedonia by giving the green light for Albania only, Rama replied this was a matter for the EU, and that he couldn’t predict Bulgaria’s final decision.
In addition, Rama slammed the EU for not lifting the visa regime with Kosovo, which remains the only country in the region with movement restrictions.
Hinting at the opposition, Rama called on Albanians not to criticize the country in their communication with foreigners.
The German minister traveled to Albania today, following a visit to North Macedonia on Wednesday where he gave the same message of support for the country’s EU accession process.
The EU leaders are expected to decide on whether to set a date for the practical start of EU accession talk for the two countries. North Macedonia’s progress was vetoed by Bulgaria over claims of national identity and language. Germany is pushing for a joint positive decision for both countries.
