Prime Minister Edi Rama has levied more criticism against the EU for their decision to not distribute the COVID-19 vaccine in Albania at the same time as the rest of Europe.
On the Open show last night, Rama called their decision “morally unjustifiable” and clarified his criticism was directed at the European Council, not the Commission.
In terms of the EUR 70 million that the Council has given to the Western Balkans to buy vaccines, he said: “We did not ask the European Commission for lek, we asked for vaccines.”
He also spoke out against countries that have “turned selfishness and cynicism into a system at the EU table.”
Earlier this week, EU Ambassador Luigi Soreca said he was surprised by Rama’s dissatisfaction with EU support. He added that Albanian needs to prepare a vaccination action plan in order for the EU to intervene and assist.
The Head of the National Vaccination Programe Erida Nelaj responded by saying Soreca maybe hadn’t read or understood the plan but that it exists and is “very detailed.”
Yesterday, Rama reiterated that Albania has a vaccination plan and that the EU had not requested for it to be presented.
On Monday, Exit contacted Rama’s spokesperson to ask about certain demographics and if they would be vaccinated, or when. The response was that planning was ongoing.
