Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama said during an interview for the daily Greek paper “Ta Nea” that the current state of affairs in the Western Balkans is not looking good while calling on the EU to be careful. Nevertheless, Rama dismissed fears over a potential destabilization.

“Both political factors inside the Western Balkans and outside it, in the European Union, need to be careful. They should not underestimate symptoms of this kind”, said the Prime Minister of Albania.

Rama maintained a pessimistic stance when asked whether he expects that accession negotiations will be launched by the end of the year.

“It is not the first time that I head similar forecasts from top EU officials, and it will not be the first time that they do not deliver on their promises. I am not expecting anything”, Rama said.

In regards to the Open Balkan meeting in Belgrade, the head of the Albanian government said that more progress needs to be achieved while announcing that the next meeting due in Tirana will adopt several objectives regarding the free movement of goods.

On the issue of the maritime borders with Greece, Rama said during the interview that the two countries, after agreeing to address the International Court of Justice in The Hague, the case has been pending as they have not yet found a solution.

“We hope to find a solution. It is evident that there is a positive vibe in our relations, there is a good predisposition on both sides to resolve the issue in a clear manner, by bringing it to The Hague and displaying faith in a third party. It is a great achievement, but we still have not found a solution”, concluded Rama.