The PM of Albania, Edi Rama, said during his word for the Berlin Summit that it is disheartening that the EU integration was once seen as an opportunity to suppress nationalism in the Balkans, whereas now it has transformed into a process that is being oppressed by EU’s own nationalisms.
Albania PM has continued by saying that we should avoid the trap of having the countries of the Western Balkans turn into a caricature of EU, or have them become “victims of reciprocated veto or the need for consensus”.
“EU nationalisms are complicating our path, and they are playing the inverse role. Anyway, as the legendary Donald Trump would say, – it is what it is, – and so we have to move forward with what we have,” said Rama.
PM Rama also added that countries in the region aim to create a joint regional market and one of free movement, but he also added that they are aware that this won’t eliminate the great gap between the Western Balkans and the EU, by bringing up one example.
“In EU’s plan of 2021-27, the Western Balkans will get per capita 507 euros. And by not making comparisons with others, just a comparison with Croatia, which will get the well-deserved, 5 195 euros, so just, it is what it is,” said the Albanian prime minster.
Rama continued his speech by mentioning the initiative of Albania, North Macedonia and Serbia, referring to the mini Schengen, saying that they invite all the other countries in the region to become a part, while adding that they won’t wait for anyone, in order to realize their objective of creating a joint market.
Listen to PM Edi Rama’s full speech here.
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