Edi Rama, Prime Minister of Albania since 2013, will today host the European Union and Western Balkans leaders' summit in Tirana, the first to take place in the region. The decision is a sign of the renewed interest in these countries in light of the war in Ukraine and the commitment of this particular politician, artist and former basketball player to highlight the European will of his country. Only Pedro Sánchez will be missing, in principle, who remains in Madrid to participate in the commemoration of Constitution Day.
Born in Tirana in 1964, the Albanian socialist leader is sympathetic to the reasons of the President of the Spanish Government. “It is a date that cannot be missed. Imagine the barbaric things he would have to hear if he stops attending the Constitution ceremonies to come to Albania. Nobody would understand. Some time ago we were quite unique, in the phenomenon of political polarization, but now we are in very good company. Look at the United States, the United Kingdom, Italy... Spanish politics is very balkanized right now. The balkanization of parliamentary life has advanced rapidly.
"Europe is the only religion that can unite Albanians," he has said on occasion. It's been 13 years since his country asked to join the EU, and only this year, in July, have negotiations been opened. Do they keep the faith?
Oh yeah. We are fervent believers in Europe. We are very connected and we are loyal. Our story has been very different from everyone else's. We have suffered a lot, we passed from one hand to another of different empires and regimes. This is the first time we have had a choice, and we have no choice.
In the past, he has been highly critical of the EU for its management of blocking the start of accession talks with North Macedonia – and, on a rebound, with his country – due to the Bulgarian veto. How do you face this new phase?
We have been very critical because it was a very worrying and frustrating situation. But now things are moving in the right direction. We know it will take time. European integration depends on the merits of each country, and we must make an effort. This is a process of knowledge transmission. Coming from where we come from, it is a blessing to have the help of the EU. At the same time, the EU and the Balkans need to do more together. I don't think we have to wait for full membership to speed things up, such as the integration of our universities into the EU higher education system.
The summit will bet on a new approach to integrate the Balkans, a path parallel to the classic process that allows the progressive integration of their countries in different areas of European cooperation. What do you think?
That's the way. It is important that this parallel path be opened. It is about not waiting for a virus to arrive or for the worst to happen to cooperate more and build a common future without necessarily being within the same club.
The European Commission released its report on Albania's bid in October, noting only "very moderate" or "partial" progress in all areas. analyzed
It's the way they talk, nothing happens. The process is going well, we are learning a lot and I think making a good impression with our commitment and hard work. But this is learning and you have to accept it.
Do you have a schedule in mind?
No, it is impossible because it depends not only on what we do, but also on what others decide. In the end, it will take a unanimous decision to let us in. But I wouldn't be surprised if the whole process is faster from now on.
What are your expectations for this summit?
Just the fact of celebrating it in Tirana is already fantastic. It is something unimaginable until recently, which shows that the European Council has understood that the EU needs the Balkans as much as we need it and its commitment to join forces more than in the past.
Do you share Brussels' concern about the recent tensions between Serbia and Kosovo?
I'm not so concerned that something terrible is going to happen as that things aren't progressing as they should. It's a problem that's there to remind us that things can blow up at any moment, but I don't think they will. One way or another, the process will move forward. Perhaps this generation is incapable of normalization and full peace because it is too close to what happened. In the meantime, a way to live should be found.
The Government of Kosovo plans to officially request entry into the EU in the coming weeks. What do you think of this decision, taking into account that Spain and other countries do not recognize their independence, do you think something will move?
Everyone will do what they have to do. Kosovo will ask to enter, the others will say no and that's it. Everyone does what they can, that's what will happen. But I think it is an important step that Kosovo has the right to take and should take.
The British Government has reacted with very harsh rhetoric to the increase in the arrival of Albanian immigrants, the Home Secretary spoke of "invasion". Is that crisis closed?
I find it amusing and worrying that the British authorities do not have clear data on where these people come from. We know that 70% of them came from Greece and Italy. There are movements from other European countries, and this has to do with the fact that they think that the UK now needs workers. But the rhetoric they have used is shameful. Pointing out a community like this totally clashes with everything we admired about this country. This is nothing more than a desperate attempt to cover up their political failures and border management, but I had a good talk with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and he apologized to me.
Is it Brexit stuff?
Brexit or no Brexit, it certainly has to do with the mess they have gotten themselves into.
Will all Albanian journalists be able to attend your press conference today, including those you sent to 're-educate'?
It was a joke, don't believe that bullshit. Those have already come back to my press conferences. But my relationship with the press will never be orthodox. I was on the other side defending freedom of the press, that's why I have this problem, I assume it. I can't take nonsense for long.
