Tirana is ready to welcome the Berlin Process Summit, which is landing in Albania for the first time.
The significant event on October 16 is an opportunity for the Western Balkan countries to seek more funding from the European Union on their path towards membership.
This was emphasized by Prime Minister Edi Rama, who was a guest on the “Inside Albania” podcast with journalist Alice Taylor. Rama unveiled some of the things that can be expected from this summit.
“Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, will present a new economic growth plan for the Western Balkan countries as a result of the extensive efforts and essential discussions we have had with Brussels to somewhat depart from traditional methods in approaching the membership process. Until now, the traditional process has been as follows: if you start negotiations or gain candidate status, you have access to some small programs. To have access to larger programs, you need to be a member. It cannot continue like this. On one hand, we need more financial support, and on the other hand, we need access to the unified market, which would help us. This will be the main topic of that day, and I believe this will be a summit where deliverables will be very important,” Rama expressed.
According to the Prime Minister, there are several drafts prepared by the European Union for this summit.
“We have seen some drafts that are constantly refined. I believe the drafts are still being refined, and within a few days, we will know exactly not only what but also how the mechanism will function,” clarified the Prime Minister.
The Berlin Process began in 2014 with the initiative of former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, with the aim of connecting and integrating the Western Balkan countries before their accession to the European Union.
Regarding Albania’s EU membership perspective by 2030, as a proposed deadline by the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, Rama remained pragmatic.
“Let’s be honest and realistic. Europe functions in a way where the Commission, the Council are based on elections, changes. Charles Michel is a fantastic President of the European Council, but he won’t be there next year. The Commission in its current composition as well. Membership in 2030 is not set in stone. Experience has taught me not to rely on the deadlines set by the EU because they change when it comes to our relationship. Now that we are in the negotiation process, I’m not concerned because it’s essential to fulfill the tasks. If we do well, then we are a country that functions like member states in terms of standards, how people approach the state, and vice versa, how society functions, how institutions work, and how the economy develops. Formalization is not something that Charles Michel or anyone can determine today because things can change,” concluded the Prime Minister.
According to Rama, no Western Balkan country is ready to be a full member of the European Union.
